Local News
Nine apply for SFSC presidency
Marc Valero | Highlands Today
Published: January 12, 2013
AVON PARK - After a new name and the start of its first bachelor's degree program in 2012, South Florida State College has a defined and important mission for the first half of 2013 – find a successor for its retiring president, Norm Stephens, Jr.Published: January 12, 2013
The college is hoping to have someone on board by July 1, which seems like a lot of time, but there are many steps in the process to find the right person to become the institution's fourth leader since it was established by the Florida Legislature in 1965.
Thus far the college has received nine applications from across the country, from Oregon to Florida, said SFSC Human Resources Director Susan Hale.
At this point there are no internal applicants and no applicants from Central Florida, she said.
When is the application deadline?
The position will remain open until it's filled, but the actual start of the review process will be Feb. 11, Hale noted. "We expect those who are very serious about applying will try to get their materials in by that point."
But a latecomer may see the job posting in March and decide to apply, she said.
Jeff Hockaday has been hired by the college's board of trustees as a consultant in the presidential search. Hale said she and Hockaday will prescreen the applications, setting aside the ones that don't meet the minimum qualifications.
The board of trustees has identified the minimum qualifications, but the board has indicated that it may want to look at some other possible scenarios, she said.
Hockaday will probably recommend a group of 15 to 20 candidates for review by the search screening committee, which will select the finalists that will be considered by the board of trustees, Hale said.
Highlands County School Board Member Jan Shoop is on the 25-member screening committee.
Shoop said she is preparing for a very busy time reading the applications and viewing the videos of the candidates.
"You are not going to replace Dr. Stephens; you are going to get a new president, but you are not going to replace him," she said.
Hockaday found Stephen's, that's why the board of trustees chose him again for the presidential search, Shoop noted.
For more information on the presidential search, check South Florida State College's website at www.southflorida.edu/presidentialsearch
The four minimum qualifications specified by the board of trustees are:
At least five years of successful senior leadership experience as a vice president, vice chancellor, provost, president or chancellor in a regionally accredited college, university or higher education system.
Successful teaching experience at an accredited college or university.
Full-time experience in a public community college or system.
Hockaday served as president of Central Carolina Community College (primary campus in Sanford N.C.) from 1969 to 1983.
Hockaday has conducted more than 70 searches for community college presidents, including eight community colleges in Florida, the most recent St. Petersburg and Manatee.
Stephens announced in October that he would retire, after 11 years with the college, on June 30, 2013.
mvalero@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5826