WCC Board Picks First Female President

Rose B. Bellanca has been selected by the Washtenaw Community College board of trustees to be WCC’s next president, according to a statement released May 18 by the college. She’s been given a verbal offer, contingent on potential site visits and contract negotiations. If finalized, Bellanca would begin her tenure on Sept. 1, 2011, replacing Larry Whitworth, who announced his retirement last year. She would be the institution’s first female president.

Bellanca has been Northwood University‘s Florida campus provost and chief operating officer since 2008. Before that she was president of St. Clair County Community College, and provost and chief academic officer of Macomb Community College, where she also served as vice president for planning and development. Bellanca also has taught in doctoral programs for Wayne State University in administration and organizational studies, and in management for Macomb Community College.

The search process was conducted by an advisory committee of representatives from the community, the college, and the board, with assistance from consultants of the Association of Community College Trustees.

If Bellanca’s hire is finalized, for the first time all three public higher education institutions in Washtenaw County will be led by women. Mary Sue Coleman is president of the University of Michigan. Susan Martin is president of Eastern Michigan University.