CCC board names interim president

Becky Rowley was named interim president of Clovis Community College during Wednesday’s special meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees.

Regents approved the motion to name Rowley to the position. Four voted yes while Regent Robert Lydick chose to abstain.

Lydick was unavailable for comment.

The board did not comment on whether or not anyone else was considered for the position.

Rowley, the college’s executive vice president, will succeed Beverlee McClure, who last week accepted Gov. Bill Richardson’s appointment as the state’s secretary of higher education.

“I am very pleased that I was named interim president,” Rowley said.

The college has been progressively moving forward over the years, according to Rowley. She says she plans to continue the college on that path, regardless of the upcoming Base Realignment and Closure decision.

“Even if Cannon closes, we still hope to offer new programs,” Rowley said. “We will just make them more appropriate.”

Rowley will step into her new duties Sept. 19, according to a college press release.

The Board of Trustees announced at Wednesday’s meeting that they are currently undecided about when and how they will go about finding a permanent replacement for McClure. Rowley said she plans to apply for the position when it comes available.

Rowley said she has many goals for the college.

One goal would be to begin more workforce training classes to respond to local employers’ training needs.

“We will definitely be reviewing our current programs,” Rowley said. “We want to figure out what is working and what is not.”

Rowley said the college may also expand its online classes.

Rowley said she is glad McClure will be helping her transition. “We have always had a great working relationship,” Rowley said. “I look forward to working with Dr. McClure in her new position.”

McClure issued a statement through the college praising the board’s decision.

“The Board of Trustees could not have picked a better person to help with this transition phase and to lead the college,” McClure said in the statement. “I am sad about leaving, but feel better knowing that Dr. Rowley will be in charge.”

Rowley, 41, has been employed at the college since 1993.

Board member Gayla Brumfield said Rowley “will be a tremendous asset to the college.” Brumfield said Rowley continues her classroom instruction to remain hands on with the faculty and students and that she is “well liked.”

According to Rowley, she plans to teach one English literature class this fall.

The Board of Trustees plan to hold a study meeting on Sept. 14, at which time salary and contract issues for Rowley will be discussed.