Community College of Philadelphia to select new president on Tuesday.
The Board of Trustees at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) is set to convene on Tuesday morning with the aim of appointing a new president. A special meeting has been scheduled for 8 a.m. via Zoom, during which the board intends to approve an offer for one of the candidates vying for the position, according to information released on the board’s official website.
This imminent decision follows a series of thorough interview sessions held with four finalists earlier this month. These candidates interacted with faculty, staff, students, and board members, elaborating on their visions for the college. Sandra Gonzalez-Torres, director of articulation and transfer at CCP, emphasized the importance of finding a leader equipped to address the challenges facing the institution, particularly in terms of fundraising efforts and initiatives aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates.
Among the finalists, two have limited experience as college presidents, including the current interim president of CCP. Notably, three of the contenders are candidates of color. Their qualifications range from extensive backgrounds in fundraising to experience at CCP itself, particularly one candidate who is a native Philadelphian with a strong counseling background.
The candidates acknowledged the college’s current atmosphere, emphasizing the necessity of healing morale following the departure of former president Donald Guy Generals, who held the position for over a decade.
The four finalists are:
1. Lisa Cooper Wilkins: Currently the vice chancellor of student affairs at City College of San Francisco, she boasts over 25 years of higher education experience. Wilkins, a first-generation college graduate raised in a single-parent household, considers her collaborative leadership style and extensive background in counseling as assets in guiding CCP through its transitional phase.
2. Alycia Marshall: Serving as the interim president, Marshall has emphasized her commitment to maintaining smooth operations within the college during times of uncertainty. With experience as provost and vice president for academic and student success, she is focused on improving employee satisfaction and transparency.
3. Jesse Pisors: Formerly president of Pasco-Hernando State College in Florida, Pisors brings a wealth of fundraising and marketing experience that he deems essential given the current fiscal climate. With nearly three decades of educational leadership, he aims to enhance CCP’s enrollment and community engagement.
4. Jermaine Wright: The vice president for student affairs at CUNY-Herbert H. Lehman College, Wright’s personal connections to the mission of CCP, alongside his experience in workforce development, position him as a candidate focused on inclusivity and academic excellence.
As the Board of Trustees prepares to make this pivotal decision, the outcome holds significant implications for the future of the Community College of Philadelphia, particularly in addressing its challenges and optimizing opportunities for its diverse student body.
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