On Nov. 7, Madison College representatives held an Employee Town Hall to provide information and answer questions regarding the decision to start over with the college’s presidential search.
The decision was made following the withdrawal of Carlos Cortex, one of the three finalists.
Among those providing information and fielding questions were Madison College President Dr. Jack E. Daniels, III, Executive Vice President of Student Affairs and named Interim President Dr. Tim Casper, Madison College District Board of Trustees Chair Donald D. Dantzler, Jr. and Madison College Legal Counsel Jon Anderson.
President Dr. Jack E. Daniels, III, began by addressing the audience, saying that while some in the audience don’t understand the restart of the presidential process, the employees need to put that into the context of how they go forward.
“We are still going to be serving students; that’s important to us. We can’t stop doing what we do,” Daniels said.
Daniels continued by saying there are opportunities for employees to serve students as well as themselves and to take advantage of the school resources.
“It is time for us to take care of ourselves and each other. There are opportunities to do that, and we need to take advantage of that,” he said.
Dantzler acknowledged the audience’s concerns, “I understand your trust in this process may be shaky, but this is truly a board process. The board will be as transparent as possible, but some of the topics regarding our associates are confidential.”
Dantzler added that the board did not feel that having two finalists would provide enough variety for the college community to consider. Regarding the decision to name Dr. Tim Casper as the interim president, “The board has been continually impressed with Dr. Casper’s knowledge at Madison College. I hope the college joins the board in their support.”
Dantzler also said the board will name the next Madison College president in late February if all goes well.
The representatives were also asked about their opinions on shared governance. Dantzler answered, “From the board perspective, in terms of the search, everyone will have the ability to participate. Also, once we get to the process of allowing the candidates on campus, you will have a chance to meet and ask these candidates questions.”
Casper added, “Regarding shared governance, we will continue to honor that. It is important to hear from our students, our staff and faculty.”
Dantzler shared the tentative timeline for the new presidential search:

• Recruitment for candidates started on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and will continue through Friday, Dec. 20.
• The Madison College Presidential Search Committee will select seven to eight semifinalists in early January.
• From the semifinalists, the committee will select three to five candidates as finalists.
• They will invite finalists to Madison College for an on-campus interview in mid to late February.
• In late February or early March, the new president will be named.
• On July 1, the new president will start their tenure at the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Dantzler said the board will continue to be as transparent as possible with the search, but he reminded the audience to keep in mind the confidential aspect of the search.