Community College of Philadelphia names interim president as the new permanent leader.

Alycia Marshall has been officially appointed as the permanent president of the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), following a unanimous endorsement by the board of trustees during a meeting held on Tuesday morning. Marshall, who has served as the interim president since April, previously held the position of provost and vice president for academic and student success at the college for nearly three years before transitioning into this interim role.

In an 8 a.m. Zoom meeting, the board approved an offer of employment to Marshall after a thorough selection process that identified her as one of four final candidates for the president position. Board Chair Harold T. Epps expressed his confidence in Marshall’s abilities, acknowledging her impressive contributions and resilience during her time in the interim role. Epps noted that the board looked forward to collaborating with her as she leads the institution through its next phase of development.

Marshall conveyed her gratitude and excitement at being named president, expressing her commitment to the students and the broader college community. While contract negotiations are set to begin promptly, specific details regarding salary and terms of employment have not yet been disclosed.

Marshall takes the helm following the ousting of former president Donald Guy Generals, who had served in the role for 11 years before being placed on paid administrative leave. This leadership change marks a significant transition for the college as it seeks to stabilize and enhance its academic offerings.

The selection of Marshall has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who recognized the importance of the college’s mission and congratulated Marshall on her appointment. Student government president Maria Baez, a member of the search committee, underscored Marshall’s passion for student engagement and her dedication to connecting with the student body.

Marshall holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a master’s in teaching from Bowie State University, and a doctorate in mathematics education from the University of Maryland. She began her career as an adjunct professor before rising through the ranks to become a tenured professor and chair of the mathematics department at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Marshall’s commitment to fostering diversity and her extensive background in STEM education are expected to be valuable assets as she leads CCP forward.

As president, Marshall aims to address internal challenges, including employee morale, as identified in a survey she commissioned during her interim term. She also expressed her intention to strengthen relationships with city and state legislators, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and open communication within the college. Marshall is poised to implement initiatives that will enhance student experiences, such as exploring pilot programs for free public transportation for students.

With the future of CCP in her hands, Alycia Marshall’s leadership is anticipated to bring a renewed focus on student support, faculty engagement, and community partnerships as the college navigates its immediate challenges and long-term goals.