Baltimore City Community College’s (BCCC) Board of Trustees announced that Dr. Gordon F. May, former President at Oakland Community College-Auburn Hills Campus-in Michigan, has been named president of the College, effective September 2, 2014. He succeeds Dr. Carolyn H. Anderson, after serving nearly two years as Interim President.
“I’m pleased to have Dr. May take the helm at Baltimore City Community College, bringing the type of experience necessary to build on the tremendous potential of this storied institution,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d also like to thank the Board of Trustees and Dr. Anderson for their service in leading operations and educational efforts at BCCC for the last two years. I look forward to supporting Dr. May as he continues the good work of providing more affordable educational opportunities for the residents of Baltimore City.”
“In Baltimore City, we recognize the important role the Baltimore City Community College plays in fostering a healthy economy and promoting workforce development,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “I welcome new leadership and I look forward to a collaborative partnership with Dr. Gordon F. May as BCCC will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for an educated workforce. I know that access to quality education and a skilled workforce will truly determine our city’s ability to grow by 10,000 families over the next decade.”
In announcing May’s appointment, BCCC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Owens Southall said, “We are all extremely pleased to bring a top caliber institutional leader to BCCC. Dr. May has an excellent record of achievement in workforce development, partnerships, fundraising, educational leadership and policy. He is committed to focusing on raising graduation rates, increasing fundraising and building stronger relationships with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to offer more opportunities to students.”
May was chosen from a pool of 53 applicants. The 11-member committee, chaired by Trustee Pamela Paulk, included three trustees; the president of the Student Government Association; a college administrator; two members of the faculty, with one being the president of the Faculty Senate; a member from the Foundation Board; a member representing the College’s Alumni Association; and two members from the business community.
In his role at BCCC, he will serve as a change agent to bring both innovation and stability to the urban multi-site college and engage the community. His initial focus will be to ensure the college has a solid five-year strategic plan; and that effective systems and processes are in place to meet the requirements and expectations of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Student success and completion are the paramount goals. With that comes the need to garner community-wide support as well as the ability to generate enthusiasm for financial support and fundraising to advance the mission of the college and to serve the needs of students.
“My wife and I are very pleased that I have been chosen as the next President of Baltimore City Community College; we are looking forward to beginning this new adventure, building on the strong foundation already established by the extraordinary efforts of Interim President Anderson and the Board of Trustees,” May said.
“I am eager to engage in local community events and believe that one of the major responsibilities of a college president is fostering strong relationships,” said May. “An important part of my role is to actively represent the College throughout the city, the State of Maryland and nationally.”