Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has begun planning for a new college president in the wake of last month’s announcement that current President Dr. Betty Young would resign.
College Board of Trustees Chairwoman Carol Peterson sent an e-mail to staff members on Wednesday with an update on the transition plans.
“On Monday, David Wyatt, Board Vice Chairman, and I met with Dr. Young and the Vice Presidents to discuss where we go from here. As a result of that meeting, the Vice Presidents have begun the process of transition planning and they will need your assistance and support in the weeks and months ahead. At the next Board of Trustees meeting on February 2nd, each Vice President will present a transition plan for their division to the Board of Trustees for approval.”
Peterson spoke with faculty on Wednesday in what her note described as a previously scheduled meeting.
Young’s announcement came on Dec. 23, the day after a six-and-a-half hour closed door meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees, a meeting that included Young. Young was hired in 2007 to replace former President K. Ray Bailey and inaugurated in May 2008.
In an e-mail announcing her decision, Young spelled out her goals and accomplishments, then noted “discontent” on campus and said she had decided to resign. She said she would begin a job search immediately, but did not say when she would step down. She’s had no other public comment. The college trustees followed Young’s announcement with a statement wishing her well, but have given no further public comment.
Young has a contract with the college through June 30 that pays her an annual salary of $190,104. Young was president of Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio, for four years before being selected to lead A-B Tech.
Peterson says in her note that the transition planning “will address critical resource and program issues” within the college’s divisions. “Plan development and implementation will be the responsibility of Vice Presidents and Dr. Young will serve in a consultative role,” Peterson writes.
Peterson adds: “The Trustees will not micro-manage College affairs pending the selection of a new or interim president and we have not mandated that any positions, programs or services be eliminated. We have great confidence in all of you and believe that the College will be best served by the V.P.s working with you to act in the best interests of students during this period of transition.”
— Jason Sandford, multimedia editor
Dear Mt. Express:
In past years, when the unemployment was high, The College (ABTCC) had increased enrollment up to in new students. With this came headaches from parking to staffing.
Now, the Division Leaders and the Vice Presidents have to plan for this upcomming flood of enrollment not only for Fall but for industry and community needs as wall as continuing education and its roll in adressing re-education of displaced workers.
We all need to pull behind this effort and assist this most valuable assett (The College) in this emergency planning. I worked for Mr. K. Ray Bailey for seventeen years and I know he knows what is comming. I know he has moved on to greater issues in Buncombe County but I would plead with the County Commission to at least draw from his knoledge base and years of experience.
I am no longer employed by the College but I respect the College and it’s Administration because they have the most difficult job in planning and execution of a complex and urgent mission in helping this economy and this County recover from this recession.
Congradulations new Commissinors. You have began your work in a most difficult time. All members of the community have an obligation to stand behind each of you and support your efforts. I see you doing double duty and working long hours.
Thanks for all your efforts.