Community engagement is one aim of EGCC finalist
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Anthony Summers, the third finalist for president of Eastern Gateway Community College, lists community engagement among his priorities.
Summers, vice president for student development at Richland Community College in Texas, part of the Dallas County Community College District, spoke to about 10 people at his public forum Wednesday at the Valley Center in downtown Youngstown.
“I’m a community person,” he said. “Community college has community in it. I believe it’s part of our responsibility to engage in the community, to help the community reach its full potential.”
Community colleges are engaged in an exciting time in history, Summers said.
“We’re helping to build the next generation of employees,” he said.
Building relationships with business and industry as well as with four-year institutions is an important part of that, the candidate said.
Summers is one of four finalists vying to become EGCC’s next president. Laura Meeks, president for 15 years, is retiring in July.
A Pittsburgh native, Summers is a product of a community college, having earned his associate’s degree from the Community College of Allegheny County in that city before earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Duquesne University. He earned his master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in education from the online Walden University.
“I’m actively engaged in strategic planning,” Summers told forum attendees, adding that this process includes faculty, students and staff.
He said he subscribes to a philosophy of open communication, transparency and information sharing.
Community colleges have a responsibility to provide academic programs that offer associate degrees, certification and continuing education that lead to economic value, Summers said.
He also supports working with others to implement change or improvement.
“You never go it alone,” he said.
The public forum for the fourth finalist is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. today in Room C109 at the Valley Center. Jimmie Bruce is vice president of academic success at Northwest Vista College, one of five independently accredited colleges within the Alamo Colleges in Texas.