Committee seeks input in search for WNC president

The public can offer input Thursday as Western Nevada College looks to start the process of finding its next president.

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

The meeting could result in a committee that will hire Lucey’s successor; it will be in Room 102 in the Reynolds Building. Key times for the public to attend are 11:15-11:45 a.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

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

Knecht said the following are among items that might be discussed:

Who and what groups should be represented on a public advisory committee that meets with the regents’ six-member search committee. The advisory committee would have more than 20 members.

People’s concerns about WNC and its past, present and future, the Fallon campus, and higher education in the region and Nevada.

What qualities people want in a new WNC president and what concerns they have about finding a permanent president.

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

Lucey said she intends to be heavily 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 support WNC and Great Basin Community College.