Trustees Approve President

NWACC Board, Jorgenson To Discuss Contract

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

— NorthWest Arkansas Community College Board of Trustees approved hiring Evelyn Jorgenson as its third president following an executive session on Monday.

Jorgenson has been the president of Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, Mo., for 16 years.

At A Glance

Candidates’ Visit

The four presidential candidates who visited NorthWest Arkansas Community College for a site visit last week were:

Jo Alice Blondin, chancellor of the Arkansas Technical University’s Ozark Campus

Evelyn Jorgenson, president of Moberly Area Community College, Moberly, Mo.

Anthony Kinkel, president of Wichita Area Technical College

Carol Spencer, executive director of the Academic Program Articulation Steering Committee in Arizona.

Source: Staff Report

The board, along with Jorgenson, will have to agree on terms of a contract before the hiring is final. Alex Vasquez, board chairman, said it could be two weeks before the board meets again to finalize the decision.

President Becky Paneitz announced her retirement earlier this year. Her last day will be June 30. Jorgenson will start on July 1 if she accepts the position.

Vasquez said Jorgenson is a “great fit” for the college.

“We have confidence that she will be able to move the college forward in a great way,” Vasquez said. “She brings a wealth of experience having served for 16 years at her current institution.”

Jorgenson said she was excited by the news of the board’s decision.

“I am very humbled and very pleased by the fact that NorthWest Arkansas Community College has chosen me to be the next president,” Jorgenson said. “My husband and I are really looking forward to being a part of the Bentonville area and the community. We look forward to getting to know all of the faculty, staff and students at NWACC.”

Jorgenson also works as a peer reviewer with the Higher Learning Commission. NorthWest Arkansas Community College receives accreditation through the organization.

Moberly Area Community College operates under a $40 million budget with 5,500 students. NorthWest Arkansas Community College has a $39 million budget with 8,341 students.

Jorgenson was one of four presidential candidates who visited NorthWest Arkansas Community College last week. The candidates attended numerous public forums and met with staff, faculty and students at the college.

Wyley Elliott, college vice president for public relations and development, said the search process went smoothly.

“I think there was attempt by the community college to make sure everyone had a voice in this decision,” Elliott said. “I couldn’t have been more pleased with the entire process from beginning to end.”