Indian River State College takes steps toward finding next president

Sommer Brugal | Treasure Coast Newspapers

FORT PIERCE — The search for the new president of Indian River State College has begun.

The college's president, Edwin Massey, in October announced he would retire when his contract ends in August. He's been in the role for more than three decades.

The board of trustees has begun accepting nominations for the presidential search committee — a group responsible for reviewing potential candidates and recommending candidates for consideration, college officials said in a news release.

Deadline is Monday to submit nominations.

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A timeline for the committee has yet to be established, Suzanne Seldes, IRSC spokeswoman, said, but she expect one will be set shortly after the new year.

The presidential search committee will be comprised of the IRSC District Board of Trustees, IRSC Foundation representatives, community, faculty and career staff, as well as an IRSC student.

Criteria for committee members is on the college's presidential-search website.

"We have had a tremendous ride as we head into our 60th year," Seldes said. "As we continue on after Dr. Massey steps away from his role, we want to make the best decision for our community."

To do so, the college is hoping for widespread community support throughout the process, Seldes said.

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Under Massey's tenure, all five of the campuses across the Treasure Coast have expanded, enrollment increased more than 300% and the number of degrees and certificates awarded annually has nearly doubled over the past decade, school officials said.

In April, IRSC was awarded the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the top recognition of high achievement and performance among the nation's community colleges — one of Massey's highest achievements.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding and fulfilling professional career, and that’s a reflection of the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with," Massey said in a statement in October.

More: Indian River State College wins Aspen Prize for community college excellence; shares honor with Miami Dade College