WNC meeting seeks input Thursday on new president qualifications

An important meeting that could set up a committee to hire the next Western Nevada College president is set for Thursday in Carson City.

Former WNC President Carol Lucey retired earlier this month after 15 years at the helm, leaving Chet Burton as executive officer until a new president is appointed.

The meeting will be conducted on the Carson City campus’ Reynolds Building, room 102. Key times for the public to attend are 11:15-11:45 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Although the college is transmitting the meeting via interactive video to the Fallon campus, Ginny Dugan, a member of the local Restore Our College Campus Committee, said she is encouraging as many ROCCC members as possible to attend the meeting in person.

“This has been called a ‘listening tour’ to hear what everyone says about what qualities they would like to see in a new president,” Dugan said. “

Regent Ron Knecht, who represents Carson City and Fallon, said the Nevada System of Higher Education’s chairman and the vice-chairman of the Board of Regents and the NSHE chancellor are conducting the meting.

“I understand they may also be planning a subsequent meeting in Fallon,” Knecht said, although he did not have any specifics.

Among the items that may be discussed, according to Knecht, including the following:

Who and what groups should be represented on the public advisory committee (20+ people) that is advisory to and meets with the Regents’ six-member search committee.

What are your concerns about WNC, its past, present and future, the Fallon campus, and higher ed in our area and NV.

What qualities you want (and don’t want) in a new WNC president and what concerns you have in regard to finding a new permanent president.

What qualifications are needed for an interim or acting president, including names of folks to consider (or not).

Anything else you think is important and relevant to the present WNC/NSHE situation.

While the committee is beginning to search for a new president, Lucey said she intends to be fully involved with Senate Bill 391, which she hopes will eventually provide WNC with a stable funding base. That legislation passed by the 2013 Legislature opens the door to include local funding to help support WNC and Great Basin Community College.