Last week, our campus hosted candidates for the position of president at Volunteer State Community College. The events included forums where attendees could learn more about the candidates and ask questions. Three sessions were held each day to introduce each candidate to different audiences. Those who were physically present on the main campus had the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Online viewing was also available via Zoom for those who wanted to watch the sessions from Springfield, Livingston, or Cookeville. All the candidate forums were live-streamed and recorded, and the recordings will be available until June 28, 2024. The links for these sessions can be accessed through the My Vol State portal for faculty and staff sessions.
Candidates Information
Dr. John C. Boyd, president of Mayland Community College in North Carolina since 2011. He has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Clemson University, a Master of Criminal Justice Administration from Oklahoma City University, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Dr. Steve Rook, chancellor of Arkansas State University Three Rivers since 2016. He has an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Master of Science in Education, Guidance and Counseling/Student Personnel from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Dr. Wendi Tostenson, vice chancellor of education and student services at Louisiana Delta Community College since 2021. She has a Doctor of Public Administration from Valdosta State University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Georgia.
The finalists’ resumes and more information about the search process are posted on the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) website.
Forums Schedule
The finalists will participate in open forums with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
- Dr. Boyd on Wednesday, April 24
- Dr. Rook on Thursday, April 25
- Dr. Tostenson on Friday, April 26
The schedule for April 24-26 follows the same structure with one candidate featured per day.
Caudill Hall, Wemyss Auditorium
Caudill Hall, Wemyss Auditorium
Caudill Hall, Wemyss Auditorium
Ramer Building, Great Hall
Deadline: May 2
Next Steps
After the forums, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings will review input submitted from the public and campus community and conduct more interviews to select one candidate for nomination to the Board of Regents. Comments on the candidates may be submitted through an online survey link that will be posted on the TBR search webpage. (Survey Deadline: Thursday, May 2, 2024)
The Board of Regents will consider the chancellor’s recommendation in a special called meeting at 11:00 a.m. CT on May 6. More meeting details will be announced when complete. The meeting, which will occur virtually, will be live-streamed and archived on the TBR website, where board materials will also be posted when complete.
The next president will succeed Dr. Orinthia T. Montague, the college’s fourth president, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 22, 2023. Dr. Russ Deaton, TBR executive vice chancellor for policy and strategy, is serving as interim president. The president is the college’s chief executive officer.
