Three Rivers Community College hires its top choice for new president

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Dr. Devin Stephenson will become the fifth president in the 41-year history of Three Rivers Community College beginning July 1.

The 55-year-old Alabama native signed a contract and mailed it in before he was hired by the college trustees at Wednesday's board meeting.

"Dr. Stephenson is an exceptional leader and educator," said board chairman Steve Cookson in a prepared statement. "His long experience as a proven leader and administrator and his extensive work with rural community colleges will ensure that Three Rivers Community College continues on a path of growth and its successful record of serving the students and communities in our region."

Currently the vice president of external affairs at Bevill State Community College in Sumiton, Ala., Stephenson is leading an initiative for the reaccreditation of the college, a process which will be complete in spring. He said while he has not worked out any details as to when he will begin full time at Three Rivers, he plans to visit Poplar Bluff at least monthly to stay involved in strategic planning at Three Rivers and find a place to live with his wife.

Trustee Wilbur Thornton made the motion to approve Stephenson for the college position of chief executive officer, it was seconded by Randy Winston and the board unanimously approved. Trustee James Grassham was unable to be present due to his health, but gave fellow trustee Bill Holida the power of attorney to give Stephenson his approval so all six board members would be in agreement.

A 16-person presidential search committee, made up of community leaders representative of the college's four-county taxing district, previously narrowed the presidential candidates down to 53 hopefuls they thought most qualified, then submitted the top three applicants to the board for final approval.

Stephenson was the board's top choice for the position until he unexpectedly withdrew from the presidential search at the last minute to consider another job opportunity.

During a special meeting two weeks ago, the board asked Stephenson to reconsider, which he did.

Aside from Stephenson's indecisiveness, the Arkansas woman who was being considered in the group also withdrew, citing family health reasons.

The other finalist, already an administrator at the college, did not receive a majority approval by the board for the position.

Subsequently, Joe Rozman, former vice president for student affairs and information technology, was promoted to president until June 30, the deadline the board set for having a new president in place.

Stephenson's base salary will be $145,400, plus a housing allowance of $12,000 a year, a one-time moving allowance of up to $8,000 and access to the college car for business purposes.

"It took time for me to prayerfully think through what I have prepared academically in my life for and realize the impact I can make at a community college and the difference I can make in lives," explained Stephenson this morning. "I have spent seven years of my life earning a doctorate in higher education and I have prepared for more than 30 years to become a leader of an institution."