CCC names new president

Tonya Garner: Freedom Newspapers

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

Regents voted to approve 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.

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.

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.