Three apply for open WSCC board seat.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – At the October 19, 2015 West Shore Community College Board of Trustees meeting, Phyllis Cowden, announced her intent to resign on December 1, 2015, due to a change in residency for a portion of the year. 

The board of trustees announced its intent to appoint a replacement at its next meeting on Monday, November 16, to fulfill Cowden’s term until the next regularly scheduled election for trustee seats, which will be November 8, 2016.  Interested parties had until 5 p.m., November 2 to submit a letter of interest and resume to the president’s office.

The President’s Office received letters of interest and resumes from three candidates:

• James Barker: Barker, of Manistee, serves as chief executive officer of West Shore Medical Center. Barker began his education at West Shore Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in nursing.
• Fred Niles: Niles, of Manistee, retired from the visual arts department at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. During his 28 years at the university he served as a professor and was also department chair for eight years.
• Kaley Petersen: Petersen, of Ludington, is the executive director for foundation and volunteer services at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. She is an occupational therapist and also serves as the executive director of the Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program.

The executive committee of the board of trustees is currently interviewing the candidates and expects to offer a recommendation for a candidate to fill Cowden’s vacancy at the regular November 16, 2015 board of trustees meeting.

The West Shore Community College Board of Trustees is comprised of seven members who serve without compensation.