As Dr. Dennis Rittle prepares to depart after seven years as Cowley College president, the school’s Board of Trustees must formulate a plan to replace.
Gary Wilson, chairman of that board, already has an idea of what characteristics a new president should have. He spoke with NewsCow by phone this week.
“They should know the community. They should know the college,” he said. “I think that candidate’s out there. We’ll have to see.”
Rittle – who has accepted a job with NorthWest Arkansas Community College – has submitted his resignation. Cowley College Trustees are likely to accept the resignation at a meeting Monday.
His final day with Cowley College would be July 9.
Wilson expects the board to put together a search committee to fill the position.
Reflecting on Rittle’s tenure at the school, Wilson said he was a president with a “different leadership style” than Wilson was used to. But the two found common ground and were able to work together for the betterment of the college.
“I think he did a decent job,” Wilson said. “And did his best to follow the board’s directives.”
He praised Rittle’s work in bringing a new campus to Sumner County. Housing units there are expected to open in the fall.
As for the future of the school and the direction under a new president, Wilson said “tech ed” would be a focus that’s in line with his thinking and most likely the rest of the board’s.
“We have to focus on training the next generation of carpenters, plumbers and machinists,” he said. “We all have to understand that not everyone is looking to move on to a four year institution. Some people are looking for the certification they need to start work.”