Eastern Iowa Community College names new chancellor
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Eastern Iowa Community College named Bryan Renfro as the next chancellor during a special board meeting on Tuesday.
Renfro currently serves as the president of John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois, and has more than 20 years of experience in community college leadership, academic instruction, and workforce development, the college said.
Renfro will begin his role as chancellor on July 1, succeeding interim chancellor Liang Chee Wee.
“Throughout my career, as a faculty member and administrator, I’ve been guided by a student-first philosophy. I will continue this approach in a collaborative spirit, with a strategic focus, and with the utmost respect for the transformative power of the community college to change lives,” Renfro said.
“I promise to be a thoughtful steward of this college and of the public resources entrusted to us. I will work to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable, and I will strive to foster innovation that expands partnerships, develops new academic programs, and enhances the support systems our students need to succeed.”
Trustee and chair of the search committee Michelle Garvin said Renfro will lead EICC into its next chapter.
“I’m confident his leadership experience, commitment to community engagement, and passion for student success make him the ideal person to build on our strong foundation,” Garvin said.
Before his presidency at John Wood, he held leadership roles at Paris Junior College and Tyler Junior College in Texas. Renfro also has experience at Hawkeye Community College and Colorado Mountain College.
Renfro has taught anthropology and criminal justice courses and served as a department chair, according to EICC. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education with a focus on community college leadership from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s in anthropology from the University of Tennessee.
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