EGCC president candidate says he feels like LeBron

YOUNGSTOWN

If selected as Eastern Gateway Community College’s next president, Derrick Manns said he would continue the college’s model of access, excellence and student-centered perspective.

Manns, executive vice chancellor for Fletcher Technical Community College and South Central Louisiana Technical College, both in Louisiana, is the second of four finalists to become EGCC’s next president. Laura Meeks, president for 15 years, is retiring in July.

Both Fletcher and South Central are accredited colleges within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

“It’s poised for growth,” Manns said of EGCC.

A Northwest Ohio native, Manns also worked in community colleges in both Michigan and Massachusetts.

“It’s an opportunity to come home,” Manns said. “I almost feel like LeBron — although in no way am I making a comparison.”

"My management style is very open, collaborative and participatory,” Manns said.

Read more about this candidate in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.