President Robert K. Knight has announced he plans to retire August 31 at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year
VANCOUVER — ER, Wash. — Clark College has selected Gold Hill Associates to assist the Board of Trustees in identifying and recruiting a new president for Clark College.
Clark College President Robert K. Knight has announced he plans to retire August 31 at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year. He has served as college president for 13 years, helping Clark College expand and grow both in its programs and locations. Clark College is the largest community college in Southwest Washington and one of the largest community colleges in the state of Washington.
“For more than a decade President Knight has provided stability and vision helping the college grow, adapt and serve its community,” said Paul Speer, board trustee. Speer and board vice chair Jane Jacobson are co-leading the board’s recruitment and selection process. “This is an important moment for Clark College. We are looking for the right person for the next chapter of the college,” said Speer. “The board is fully committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive and transparent national search. Gold Hill Associates will be a good partner in the process.”
Gold Hill Associates was selected following a competitive bid process. Its CEO, Dr. Preston Pulliams, has worked in a variety of higher education leadership roles for 25 years. From 2004-2013, he served as District President at Portland Community College. Gold Hill has made successful placements at more than 20 colleges in the Pacific Northwest.
Gold Hill Associates will also assist the board in identifying and recruiting an interim president for Clark College.
The interim president is expected to serve beginning August 2019 for a one-year period allowing sufficient time for the permanent presidential search. The interim will not be considered as a candidate for the permanent position.
“The presidential search will also be assisted by a Presidential Search Advisory Committee including representatives from the college and external community,” said Speer. “We look forward to updating and receiving feedback from the community as we move forward.”
All interested applicants must contact Gold Hill Associates directly. To contact Gold Hill Associates or learn more about the presidential selection process, visit Clark College’s website: www.clark.edu/presidential-search.
About Clark College
Located in Vancouver’s Central Park and serving up to 12,000 students per quarter, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education. The college currently offers classes at two satellite locations: one on the Washington State University Vancouver campus and one in the Columbia Tech Center in East Vancouver. Additionally, its Economic & Community Development program is housed in the Columbia Bank building in downtown Vancouver.
Information provided by Clark College.
