Community College of Philadelphia to announce new president on Tuesday.

The Board of Trustees at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) is poised to select a new president, a decision anticipated to be made official in a special meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday via Zoom. This announcement comes following a series of extensive interviews conducted with four finalists for the presidential position, who engaged with faculty, staff, students, and board members earlier this month.

The search for a new president has been necessitated by the recent departure of former president Donald Guy Generals, who was let go after over a decade of service amid challenges related to institutional morale and management practices. This context has intensified the urgency for strong leadership to guide the college toward stability and growth. As described by Sandra Gonzalez-Torres, CCP’s director of articulation and transfer, the college is seeking someone who can foster effective fundraising strategies and improve student retention and graduation rates.

Among the four candidates under consideration are individuals with varied backgrounds. Two candidates possess limited presidential experience, one of whom is currently serving as the interim president of CCP. Notably, a significant number of the candidates are people of color, reflecting a commitment to diversity within the senior leadership of the institution.

Each candidate has indicated an understanding of the necessity to address the institution’s current challenges, particularly low morale and retention rates, which have been intensified by the leadership transition. The candidates have put forth their qualifications, including experience in fundraising, educational leadership, and community engagement.

The finalists include:

1. Lisa Cooper Wilkins – Currently the vice chancellor of student affairs at City College of San Francisco, she brings over 25 years of experience in higher education. A native of the Philadelphia area, Cooper Wilkins views her collaborative leadership style as essential for fostering open communication and inclusivity. Her previous tenure with CCP as a dean provided her insights into the college’s operations and community needs.

2. Alycia Marshall – Serving as the interim president, Marshall emphasizes her commitment to maintaining institutional stability while enhancing faculty and staff satisfaction. Her extensive background in academic administration includes leadership roles at community colleges, which positions her well to address the complexities currently facing CCP.

3. Jesse Pisors – Formerly the president of Pasco-Hernando State College in Florida, Pisors resigned after a brief tenure amid concerns regarding student retention. He highlights his experience in strategic planning and fundraising, advocating for increased financial resources for the college amid heightened scrutiny of public funding.

4. Jermaine Wright – As vice president for student affairs at CUNY-Herbert H. Lehman College, Wright identifies with the student demographic at CCP, drawing from his experience as a first-generation college student and immigrant. His focus on student services and workforce development speaks to the college’s mission and objectives.

The board’s decision is eagerly awaited, as the new president will be tasked with addressing significant challenges while also charting a course for the future of the Community College of Philadelphia. The selection process underscores the institution’s commitment to effective leadership, inclusivity, and academic excellence in serving its diverse student body.