Hired
Lori Barber – College of Eastern Idaho
Lori Barber has served as the vice president of academic and student affairs at the College of Eastern Idaho for the past five years; before that, she was the dean of general education. Leadership at the community college recognized her development of two applied bachelor’s degrees and her contribution to the Idaho Launch Initiative Policy, which covers up to $8,000 in tuition for graduating seniors attending college for a high-demand job, East Idaho News reports.
Barber begins in August.
James R. Martin II – North Carolina A&T State University
James R. Martin II will leave the University of Pittsburgh to elevate his higher education leadership career in a new state. The North Carolina System Board of Governors named Martin chancellor-elect of North Carolina A&T State University thanks to his diligent work with Pitt’s $1.3 billion research portfolio as the vice chancellor of STEM research and innovation. He also ushered in record levels of student and faculty diversity, research expenditures, first-year student enrollment and retention rates as the dean of the engineering department.
Marin begins on August 15, according to the university.
Robert S. Prezant – Farmingdale State College (N.Y.)
The SUNY system has found its latest four-year college president, Robert S. Prezant, from Southern Connecticut University. Prezant’s career highlights as he takes the helm at Farmingdale State College include revamping Southern Connecticut’s branding, creating a faculty diversity program and increasing external funding as the provost and vice president of academic affairs, Patch reports. As an administrator, the first-time president helped create new degree and continuing education programs, as well as forged corporate partnerships.
Prezant begins Aug. 14.
Retiring
Laurie Chesley – Central Oregon Community College
Laurie Chesley plans to retire from Central Oregon Community College just as enrollment begins to point up following pandemic lows. Aside from guiding the university through COVID, Chesley is credited with launching a career and professional development center, founding a $22-million health careers program and overseeing the development of a new learning facility, KTVZ reports. She also pledged a more sustainable future by signing the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment.
Chesley will retire on June 30, 2025, marking a six-year run as president.
More from UB: Students are staying enrolled at decade-high rate, new report reveals
Stepping down
Jaffus Hardrick – Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University has a big void to fill following Jaffus Hardrick’s departure due to a health-related concern. The five-year president helped South Florida’s only HBCU reinstate its accreditation and had three years left on his contract following a five-year extension in 2022, The Miami Times reports.
Roger Ramsammy – Hudson Valley Community College (N.Y.)
The Hudson Valley Community College Board of Trustees has removed President Roger Ramsammy “with cause” following a sexual harassment complaint filed against him, Times Union reports. Ramsammy had been on leave since May 15 and had served as president since 2018.
John Shannon – Trine University (Ind.)
John Shannon has resigned after just a year for undisclosed reasons, The Herald Republican reports.
Stepping back?
Susan D. Stuebner is walking back her offer to lead Marietta College three weeks before she is due to take over. Stuebner, who is currently in her eighth year as president of Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire, unexpectedly changed her mind due to “an unforeseen change in personal considerations,” The Marietta Times reports.
