Salem Community College names interim president; plans under way to continue search for new leader
CARNEYS POINT TWP. The search for a new president of Salem Community College is now back on track as the college board of trustees has named an interim president to temporarily take over the role after the end of this year, and set a new timeline to find a permanent replacement to serve as the college's leader.
The board named Provost-Chief Academic Officer Joan M. Baillie as interim president effective Jan. 1, after current President Peter B. Contini steps down from the role on Dec. 31 after 14 years.
Baillie was named as the interim president during a meeting of the SCC Board of Trustees at the college here Wednesday evening.
"Provost Baillie has been the second in command of the institution for nearly six years," said Board Chairwoman Dorothy Hall following the appointment. "Therefore, she is a logical choice based on both experience and institutional knowledge. The board truly appreciates Joan's decision to accept this appointment."
The need for an interim president arose after the search for Contini's replacement hit an unexpected snag last month, when three finalists selected from a nationwide pool of 53 candidates all fell through.
Two of the finalists withdrew for personal reasons, and the third was not chosen by the board for the position, college officials previously said.
