Bevill State Community College President to Step Down in March
February 10, 2017
Bevill State Community College (BSCC) President Dr. Larry Ferguson announced today the submission of his letter of resignation to the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) on Thursday, February 9, 2017. This decision comes as the result of Dr. Ferguson being presented with the unanticipated opportunity to return to his home state of Kentucky to serve as a vice-president for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Ferguson has fostered innovation and growth in the Bevill State system, leaving the College poised for sustainable progress.
During Dr. Ferguson’s tenure at Bevill State, the College has seen continued enrollment growth, resulting in being recognized by Community College Weekly as one of the fastest growing institutions in America. BSCC faculty and staff have worked collaboratively to craft a new strategic plan for the college, and successfully completed a reorganization that will support the College as it boldly moves forward in meeting the 21st century needs of students and workforce partners. Dr. Ferguson initiated new credit and non-credit instructional programs, driven by the needs of the supported communities. Under Ferguson’s leadership, Bevill State has addressed multiple facilities challenges that encompass Bevill State’s 55 buildings, four campuses and the Pickens County instructional site. This spring, the College will begin new construction and renovations to create one-stop student service centers on all campuses in an effort to enhance the student experience and positively impact the recruitment, retention and completion of students. Additionally, athletic programs will return college-wide during 2017.
In the time Dr. Ferguson has been at BSCC, over $8 million dollars in external funding has been generated. This funding will ensure implementation of innovative solutions to best serve our communities. The recent award of $1.9 million dollars by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will support the creation of a Rapid Training Center to meet the needs of dislocated and underemployed citizens of northwest Alabama.
“These have been very exciting times for the College and for me and my family. I wish only the very best for the future of Bevill State and the communities they serve,” stated Dr. Ferguson. “It truly is an amazing institution supported and driven by exceptional faculty, staff and community partners. I will leave knowing that I was fortunate to serve at one of the finest community colleges in America. As I often say, GREAT things happen at Bevill State!”
Upon accepting Dr. Ferguson’s letter of resignation, ACCS Acting Chancellor Mr. Jimmy Baker determined that Ferguson will continue to serve the college for the next 30 days to end on March 9th, 2017. During this time, he will be working closely with Baker, the Cabinet and key college leaders to ensure a smooth transition of leadership to the interim president to be selected by Mr. Baker.
Dr. Kim Ennis, BSCC Executive Vice-President, said, “It is an exciting time to be a part of Bevill State Community College. In the past 12 months, we have transformed into an institution focused on a culture of innovation and providing the best student experience possible. During a recent re-accreditation review of our nursing program, visitors from across the nation toured our entire service area and were amazed at how the College is embraced as a cornerstone in the communities we serve. I believe the future for Bevill State Community College has never looked brighter.”
For more information contact Tana L. Collins at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu. Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.