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EGCC finalist lays out plans
By Denise Dick
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 northern 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.”
He said he would strengthen and build upon all of the good things Meeks has done at the college during her 15-year tenure.
“My management style is very open, collaborative and participatory,” Manns said.
About 15 people attended a public forum Tuesday at the Valley Center where members of the public as well as students, faculty, staff and administrators could ask questions. Forums at the college’s main campus in Steubenville drew more attendees.
Manns said in his current position, he’s gained experience forming a partnership with a nearby, larger university, and he’d bring that to practice in collaborating with Youngstown State University.
“It’s about building relationships and building partnerships,” he said.
Successful EGCC students become successful YSU students, too, the candidate said.
His resume also includes work with multiple sites. Though based in Steubenville, EGCC operates the Valley Center in downtown Youngstown, the Warren Center and other locations in Columbiana County.
In Louisiana, the system includes 13 colleges and 40 sites. His other assignments involved multiple locations as well.
Manns described his interaction with students as personal.
“I have an open-door policy,” he said.
The Valley Center forum for the third candidate is set for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. today. That candidate, Anthony Summers, serves as vice president for student development at Richland College in Texas, one of seven independently accredited colleges in the Dallas County Community College District.