CCP Board Is Taking Steps to Remove Its President
The Board of Trustees at the Community College of Philadelphia is set to convene on Thursday to make a pivotal decision regarding the future of long-serving President Donald Guy Generals, whose contract is due to expire in June. Generals, who has been at the helm of the institution for nearly eleven years, revealed that in December, the board communicated its intention not to renew his contract. This came after he received an above-average performance evaluation, with only vague references to interpersonal conflicts with board members cited as potential concerns.
As the board prepares for the special meeting, which is explicitly dedicated to discussions about the president’s contract, Generals has expressed his belief that the decision to dismiss him lacks justification. He highlighted the college’s recent achievements, including a rebound in enrollment post-pandemic, successful fundraising efforts, and a satisfactory resolution of a contract with the faculty and staff union—an agreement that avoided a strike.
In his commentary, Generals described the board’s actions as inexplicable and voiced his readiness to defend his reputation should the situation escalate. He further criticized the board for choosing to undertake this significant decision during a period of considerable national uncertainty, particularly in the education sector.
The board’s silence on the matter has drawn scrutiny. Board Chair Harold T. Epps did not respond to requests for comment, and other members similarly refrained from addressing inquiries. This silence has prompted concerns about transparency and governance practices, particularly as it has been reported that several meetings to discuss Generals’ contract did not adhere to the requirements of the Sunshine Law.
Generals’ tenure has not been without challenges. Initially, he faced skepticism from faculty due to his previous experience and contentious contract negotiations during the initial years of his presidency. However, his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, which included protecting jobs while facing declining enrollment, has been noted as a significant achievement.
Under his leadership, the college has witnessed notable milestones, such as the establishment of the Catto Scholars Program, the opening of a career and advanced technology center in West Philadelphia, and a remarkable student nurses’ certification pass rate. Additionally, Generals reported capital improvements exceeding 0 million and raised over million within the last four years.
As the college approaches this critical juncture, the implications of the board’s decision will likely resonate well beyond the confines of the campus, influencing faculty, students, and the broader educational landscape in Philadelphia. The discourse surrounding this decision reflects ongoing debates about leadership accountability and institutional governance within community colleges across the nation.
