I am pleased to inform you that the Bellevue College Board of Trustees has re-opened the search for the next President of the College. The Board continues to be committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of presidential candidates.
Until the date the new President starts work at Bellevue College, we are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Laura Saunders serving as Interim President. She has been providing outstanding transitional leadership during this important period.
We have selected the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to assist us with the presidential search process. ACCT has conducted over 400 community college searches and brings a wealth of information and expertise to our process. ACCT’s mission is to strengthen community college governance through education, advocacy, and service. Dr. Narcisa Polonio, Vice President for Research, Education and Board Leadership Services, will coordinate the presidential search, assisted by Dr. Laurie Savona, Operations Officer. Information pertaining to ACCT searches can be found at www.acctsearches.org.
Dr. Polonio will be working with the Board to design a process that is transparent, inclusive and fair. A plan will be developed for successfully completing the search process, including a timeline and you will all have a role to play in the selection of the new President. There will be opportunities included in the search process to meet with the final candidates in open forums and provide feedback to the Board of Trustees.
Recruitment
Our recruitment efforts will involve an open, transparent, and thorough national search, seeking qualified candidates from all regions of the country. ACCT specializes in one-to-one recruitment of community college leaders. They will provide a full range of recruiting services and promote Bellevue College’s search at national meetings and programs. To assist with this process, advertisements will be placed in the Chronicle for Higher Education and other major publications.
Search Information and Updates
The College’s website will include information on all aspects of the search, both for the Bellevue College community and for potential candidates. We will post information pertaining to the search, including regular progress reports, on the College’s website at www.bellevuecollege.edu.
Paul Chiles
Chair, Board of Trustees