The trio of finalists for the role of President of Lake Michigan College has been reduced by a third, as the Board of Trustees embarks on the home stretch of its presidential search after hosting three candidate finalists on its campuses last week.
Tonight the Board of Trustees narrowed the pool to two candidates: Dr. Trevor Kubatzke and Dr. Jon Mandrell. A final decision is expected within the next 30 days after further referencing is undertaken. The due diligence phase of the search is expected to take up to a month along the way.
Kubatzke is Vice President of Student Services at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration in Community College Leadership from Walden University, a Master of Science in Education Administration from Missouri State and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Mandrell, on the other hand, is Vice President of Academics and Student Services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, and a Master of Arts in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University.
Dr. Rebecca Woods was eliminated in the winnowing process, and one other original finalist, Dr. Orinthia Montague, withdrew her application.
The front-runners were selected from a pool of ninety-two applicants who were evaluated on how well they matched a robust list of criteria ranging from leadership experience and fiscal management, to demonstrated success collaborating with business, government and K-12 education.
During their visits, candidates met with students and employees, and participated in public interviews conducted by LMC’s Board of Trustees. All participants were invited to submit feedback about the candidates for the board’s consideration. More than 167 reviews were collected by the higher education executive search firm, Pauly Group.
LMC’s new president will join the college during a time of significant growth following a successful millage campaign, the opening of its new Hanson Technology Center, a planned Wine and Culinary Education Center and substantial classroom technology and campus improvement projects.
Mary Jo Tomasini is Chair of the LMC Board of Trustees Search Committee. She says, “We were impressed with the number of high caliber, experienced leaders who expressed a desire to take on the important role of advancing LMC’s mission.” She adds, “We all got to know the candidates during their visits, and we were fortunate to have such strong applicants from which to choose.”
More about the search can be found online at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/president. The intensity of the due diligence process ramps up over the next month as they continue the search to replace President Emeritus Dr. Bob Harrison following his return to the fold following dismissal of Dr. Jennifer Spielvogel earlier in the year last year. Stay tuned.
