Presdential Search Posts

Eastern Wyoming College has announced the open forums for the final two presidential search candidates the week of April 24-28.  These will be the final two forums held before the Board of Trustees selects the new president of the college.

Finalist Kelly B. McCalla, M.A. will be on the Torrington Campus on Monday, April 24^th with an open forum to be held at 1:30 – 2:45 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  Mr. McCalla will be on the Douglas Campus for an open forum to be held on Tuesday, April 25^th, 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Finalist D. Ryan Carstens, Ed.D. will have an open forum on the Torrington Campus on Thursday, April 27^th, 1:30 – 2:45 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  Dr. Carstens will be on the Douglas Campus on Friday, April 28^th, 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Community members, students and others who are interested are invited to attend all open forums.  Input will be solicited from those in attendance.

McCalla

Kelly B. McCalla, M.A., is from Austin, MN.  He received an Associate of Arts, General Studies, from Brainerd Community College in 1983, a Bachelor of Arts, English, minor Mass Communications, from Bemidji State University in 1985 and a Master of Arts in English from Bemidji State University in 1988.  He is currently in an Educational Leadership Doctoral Studies program at the University of St. Thomas.

Mr. McCalla is currently the Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Riverland Community College serving Austin, Albert Lea and Owatonna, Minnesota.  This interim appointment is scheduled for September 2016-June 2018.  He is currently on leave from his position of Dean of Academic Affairs from Riverland Community College to serve his interim appointment.  This is a position held from July 2014 – August 2016.  From January 2014-June 2014, he served as the Interim Dean of Academic Affairs for Career and Technical Education at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead, MN.  Mr. McCalla was the Dean of Arts and Sciences as well as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer for Central Lakes College from July 2008 – December 2013.

He was elected and served as a school board member and chair in District 182, Crosby-Ironton Schools in Crosby, MN from January 2009-January 2013.  From August 2005 to June 2008 and December 1992 to September 1997, he was an English, Mass Communication and Workplace Skills Instructor for Central Lakes College.  Mr. McCalla served as the assistant to the State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development on a full-time sabbatical position from October 2004 – September 2005 and also October 2005 – January 2007 on a part-time and continuing project-based contract.  From October 1997 to August 2004 he was the Director of Academic Services/Instructional Technologist at Central Lakes College.

Mr. McCalla was the co-recipient of the 2013 Minnesota State Best Practices in Diversity Award as well as the co-recipient of the 2013 Resources for Relationships in Diversity Award.  He was recognized as the 2012 Minnesota State System Outstanding Academic and Student Affairs Administrator, the 2012 Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Administrator of the Year and Alumni of the Year.  In 2010 he was a graduate of the Cuyuna Lakes Cohort of the Blandin Community Leadership Program and a 2008 graduate of the McSCU Board of Trustees Luoma Leadership/Chair Academy Program.

He is a very active and involved community member and has presented at many conferences locally, regionally and nationally.

Carstens

D. Ryan Carstens is from Spokane, WA where he is currently serving as the President of Spokane Community College.  A position he has held since July 2015.  He received a Bachelor of Science in German (Social Studies minor) from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University.  Dr. Carstens also did graduate work with the League for Innovation in the Community College, Executive Leadership Institute.  He received his Doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin, Community College Leadership Program, Educational Administration.

Prior to his current position he was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at New Mexico State University, from March 2014 – July 2015.  In the Spring of 2014, he served as the Interim Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Moreno Valley College and from 2012-2014 was the Associate Provost, Education and Community Partnerships at Salt Lake Community College.  Dr. Carstens served in several leadership roles for over 12 years for the Lone Star College System, from 1999 to 2011, holding the following positions:  Chair, SACS Accreditation Quality Enhancement Plan, Dean of Educational Services, Dean of Educational Initiatives & Technology Services, and District Director of Distance Learning and Instructional Technology.

From 1997-1999 he was the Director of Distance Learning and Technologies Services at Eastern Idaho Technical College.  He served as the Dean/VP of Distance Learning and Information Technologies Services at Rio Salado College from 1994-1996 and the Dean of Educational Resources from 1992-1994 at El Centro College.  At Yavapai College he was the Department Chair and Director of Instructional Telecommunications and Yavapai County Extension Services from 1989-1992.  He was the Coordinator of Instructional Technology Services at Central Arizona College from 1986-1989 and a Faculty Member and Director of the Technology Center for Teachers at the University of Houston –Victoria from 1984-1986.

He is a graduate of Leadership Otero, 2015 and Leadership North Houston in 2004.  In 2001 he was the Lone Star College System Employee of the Month.  He has been a contributor to many publications and presented at many meetings and conferences.

For more information on the Presidential Search at Eastern Wyoming College call 307.532.8303.

Lesley Travers, Ph.D.

Eastern Wyoming College has announced that the next two finalists in the presidential search will have forums the week of April 17-21.

Finalist Lesley Travers, Ph.D., will be on the Torrington Campus on Tuesday, April 18^th with an open forum to be held at 1:30 – 2:45 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  Dr. Travers will be on the Douglas Campus on Wednesday, April 19^th for an open forum to be held at 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

On Thursday, April 20^th, finalist Andrew Long, M.S., will have an open forum on the Torrington Campus at 1:30-2:45 in the Fine Arts Auditorium.  Mr. Long will be at the Douglas Campus on Friday, April 21^st for an open forum from 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

All forums are open to community members, students and anyone interested in attending.  Input will be solicited from those in attendance.

Lesley Travers, Ph.D. is from Casper, WY.  She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor Native American Studies, from the University of Montana, a Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of Wyoming/Casper College and Doctorate in Higher Education and Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Wyoming.  She also holds the following licenses in the State of Wyoming:  Marriage and Family Therapist, Addictions Therapist, and Professional Counselor.  She is also a National Board Certified Counselor.

She currently serves as the Dean of the School of Business and Industry at Casper College, a position she has held since 2009.

From 2002-2009 she was the Department Head of Addictionology at Casper College.  Since 1993 she has owned and operated her own consultant, meditation and private practice in Casper.  She served as a Treatment Coordinator at Casper Alternatives from 2001-2002 and was an adjunct faculty member at Casper College from 2000-2001.

While attending the University of Wyoming she was a Graduate Assistant.  She has served as the Executive Director, Director of Administration, and General Business Manager for the following organizations:  Brain Injury Association of Wyoming, JETS Technology, Northern Arapaho Trust and Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc.  She also has over 10 years of counseling experience from 1979 to 1987 while in Montana.

She received the Wyoming Counseling Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, was nominated for the Outstanding Administrator Award in 2012, 2016 and 2017.  She received the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator Award in 2009 and the Wyoming Counseling Association Outstanding Service Award in 2008.  In 2007 she was nominated for the Rosenthal Outstanding Educator award and the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honorary, University of Wyoming, 1999-present.

She has done numerous local, state and national presentations and has been involved with research projects and publications.  On the Casper College campus, she was involved in several campus leadership and committee experiences.

Andrew Long, M.S.

Andrew Long, M.S. is from McCook, NE.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, 7-12 grade social studies and coaching endorsements in 2000.  He received graduate credit hours from Doane College and the University of Nebraska – Kearney.  In 2014 he received a Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies.

Mr. Long is currently serving as the Vice President of Student Affairs and McCook Campus for Mid-Plains Community College, a position he has held since 2013.  Prior to his present position he was at Northeastern Junior College where he served as the Dean of Enrollment Management from 2010-2013 and the Director of Admissions/New Student Enrollment from 2008-2010.  He was an Interviewing Manager at Gallup from 2006-2008.  Mr. Long was a social studies teacher and head girls’ basketball coach at Cozad High School from 2004-2006.  From 2000-2004 he was the social studies teacher, head boys’ basketball coach and assistant track coach at South Platte Public Schools in Big Springs, NE.

In 2011-2012 he was recognized at the Professional/Technical Employee of the Year at Northeastern Junior College and was the Outstanding Student Life Supporter in 2010-2011.  He received the Cozad Public Schools Golden Apple Award in 2006 and in 2005 received the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Mr. Long has presented nationally at many conferences and is very involved in the McCook, NE community.

Additional open forums will be held in Torrington and Douglas for the following final candidates:

McCalla – April 24, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
April 25, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus

Carstens – April 27, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
April 28, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus

For more information on the Presidential Search at Eastern Wyoming College call 307.532.8303.

Eastern Wyoming College has announced that two of the final candidates in the presidential search will have open forums next week, April 10-13.

Finalist Darrell L. Wilkes, Ph.D. will be on the Torrington Campus on Monday, April 10^th with an open forum being held in the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium, 1:30 – 2:45 pm.  Dr. Wilkes will be on the Douglas Campus on Tuesday, April 11^th for an open forum to be held at 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Finalist Doug Zalesky, Ph.D. will have an open forum on the Torrington Campus on Wednesday, April 12^th, 1:30 – 2:45 pm in the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium.  Dr. Zalesky will be at the Douglas Campus for an open forum on Thursday, April 13^th, 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.

Community members, students and others who are interested are invited to attend all open forums.  These events are free and open to the public and input will be solicited.

Dr. Wilkes is from Hawk Springs, WY and received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wyoming in 1978, a Master of Science in Animal Science/Breeding and Genetics from the University of Wyoming in 1980 and a Doctor of Philosophy, Quantitative Genetics from The Ohio State University in 1983.

Darrell Wilkes, Ph.D.

He is currently serving as an adjunct instructor for Eastern Wyoming College where he teaches Reproductive Management.  He is also currently operating Wilkes Angus Ranch located in Hawk Springs.

From 2014-2016, he served as the Genetic Solutions Manager at Thomas Angus Ranch.  He was a District Sales Manager, U.S. Beef Supply Systems Manager, President and CEO, PowerLine Beef Genetics, Inc during his career with ABS Global which spanned from 2002-2013.  He was the co-founder, Vice President of Supply and Vice President of Investor Relations at Future Beef Operations from 1997-2002.  Dr. Wilkes was the Founder and President of Integrated Beef Technologies, LLC from 1994-1997.  He worked for the National Cattlemen’s Association from 1983-1994 where he was the Director of Production and Technical Services for three years and then the Vice President of Research and Industry Information.

Dr. Wilkes was a recipient of the James Middleswarth Memorial Scholarship in 1973, served the University of Wyoming Student Senate in 1976 and was a two-term President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  He was recognized as the L.E. Kunkle Outstanding Graduate Student at The Ohio State University in 1982, Distinguished Alumni of The Ohio State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1984 and Beef Business Manager of the Year for ABS Global in 2006-2007 and 2009-2010. He is a member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Angus Association, American Simmental Association, Beef Improvement Federation, Torrington Rotary Club and serves as a Director on the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation.

He was born in Longmont, CO and moved to Wyoming in 1966 where he has owned a ranch since 1987.  His wife is GayLynn and he is a father to three children:  Kelsi, Dillon and Ali.

Dr. Doug Zalesky is from Laramie, WY.  He received an Associate of Science from Eastern Wyoming College, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in animal science, production, a Master of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in animal science, physiology of reproduction and endocrinology and Doctorate from Texas A & M University in Physiology of Reproduction and Endocrinology.  He did post-doctoral research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in reproductive endocrinology.

Doug Zalesky, Ph.D.

He has served as the Director of the Laramie Research and Extension Center (LREC) for the University of Wyoming since 2011.  From 2000-2010 he was the Manager/Research Scientist at Colorado State University, San Juan Basin Research Center in Hesperus, CO.  He was the Extension Beef Specialist for South Dakota State University from 1993-2000.  He held the same position for Louisiana State University from 1991-1993.  He held several Instructor, Research Assistant and Research Technician positions while completing his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and at Texas A&M University.

At the University of Wyoming he has taught Equine Reproduction, Equine Management, Management of Reproduction, Breeding Soundness Evaluation, Equine Behavior and Welfare and Intellectual Communication in Animal and Veterinary Sciences.  He has also been an adjunct instructor at San Juan Community College and Pueblo Community College/Southwest Campus.

Dr. Zalesky received the Mauro Procknor Memorial Award – Physiology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, from Texas A&M University in 1986, the Dr. A.M. “Tony” Sorensen, Jr. Achievement Award, Physiology of Reproduction, Department of Animal Science from Texas A&M University in 1988 and the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Service Award, Baton Rouge, LA in 1992.  He received a Certificate of Merit Award from South Dakota Extension Specialist Association in 1995, Friends of 4-H Award from LaPlata County 4-H Association in 2006 and Firefighter of the Year in 2007 from the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Department.  He was recognized as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus from Eastern Wyoming College.

He also has a great deal of community service and volunteerism.  He has published in over 20 publications, 39 peer review abstracts, and 12 extension publications.

Additional open forums will be held in Torrington and Douglas for the following final candidates:

• Travers – April 18, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 19, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Long – April 20, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 21, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• McCalla – April 24, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 25, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Carstens – April 27, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 28, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus

For more information on the Presidential Search at Eastern Wyoming College call 307.532.8303.

Eastern Wyoming College has announced the final candidates for the president’s position.  Each candidate will have a scheduled open forum time which community, students and others who are interested should plan on attending.

Seventy applications were received for the position of which twelve were selected as semi-finalists.  Of the twelve, there were 10 semi-finalists Skype interviews conducted.  Two candidates had removed themselves from the selection pool.

The selection committee then narrowed the field to 6 finalists.  Each candidate will spend one day on the main Torrington campus and half a day on the Douglas campus.  The 6 finalists and the April dates of their campus visits are listed below.

April 10-11, Darrell L. Wilkes, Ph.D., Hawk Springs, WY
April 12-13, Doug  Zalesky, Ph.D., Laramie, WY
April 18-19, Lesley Travers, Ph.D., Casper, WY
April 20-21, Andrew Long, M.S., McCook, NE
April 24-25, Kelly B. McCalla, M.A., Austin, MN
April 27-28, D. Ryan Carstens, Ed.D., Spokane, WA

Open forums will be held as follows:

• Wilkes – April 10, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 11, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Zalesky – April 12, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 13, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Travers – April 18, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 19, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Long – April 20, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 21, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• McCalla – April 24, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 25, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus
• Carstens – April 27, 1:30-2:45 pm, Auditorium, Torrington Campus
  April 28, 11:00-Noon, Multi-Purpose Room, Douglas Campus

Detailed information on each finalist will be released prior to their scheduled open forum.  The forums are free and open to the public and input from these events will be solicited.  All are welcome to attend.

For more information about the presidential search please contact the college at 307.532.8303.

The Eastern Wyoming College website has full details of the search for a new president including the presidential profile and timeline.  Progress reports will be posted as new information is available.  The site can be reached directly at ewc.wy.edu/presidentialsearch or through the link on the home page at ewc.wy.edu.

The current timeline is as follows:

February 3          Begin Advertising
March 10             Applications Due
March 23             Search Committee Meeting, selection of semi-finalist candidates
March 27- 31      Skype interviews of semi-finalist candidates and selection of finalists
April 10               Begin interviews of finalists
May 10                 Board deliberates and makes offer to candidate
May 31                 Contract finalized
July 1                   New president start date

The EWC Board of Trustees also have finalized the presidential profile which is listed below.

Qualities and Skills

• Committed to student success as the primary function for all activities and the vision, values and mission of the comprehensive community college in an agricultural based rural setting
• Ability to build teams and sense of community and shared goals in an approachable, collaborative and participatory manner with a view to the future and growth
• Evidence of leadership ability that promotes creativity and innovation in the context of the college’s history, traditions and culture
• High energy and a highly visible leader willing to actively participate in college and community activities and to respond to internal and external input
• A strong record of personal integrity and professional ethics and the ability to build trust and resolve conflicts
• Effective communication and listening skills to promote the college with current and prospective students and their families, alumni, elected officials, donors, business and community leaders and the internal and external community, especially to articulate the vision, values and future of the college
• Personal characteristics of good judgement and approachability
• Understanding of the major issues and trends affecting community colleges
• Commitment to support transfer, career and technical, developmental, continuing education and grant programs
• Ability to utilize evidence based decision making and commitment to the use of technology in higher education
• Commitment to professional development and the equal treatment of all
• Commitment to and support of inclusion and diversity
• Willingness to take risks and delegate
• Experience with data informed continuous improvement
• Strong leadership and decision making style based on collaborative relationships that empower others

Experiences

• Expertise in strategic planning, resource development and management that protects and maximizes college resources
• Ability to develop partnerships with K-12, university and public and private sector organizations that result in measurable improvements
• Experience, knowledge and commitment to fundraising and grant development
• Demonstrated knowledge or expertise in enrollment management, policy development, distance education and off-campus learning centers
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements
• Ability to develop or maintain legislative, state system and community relations
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge of funding models and performance funding, including student outcomes and enrollment management
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of athletic programs, residence halls and student activities
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of program development, including academic, career and technical, community education and student intervention initiatives
• Support workforce and economic development activities
• Experience or demonstrated knowledge of building a strong and trusting relationship with a Board of Trustees based on mutual respect and understanding roles

Qualifications

• A master’s degree from a regional accredited college or university, doctorate preferred
• Experience as a senior higher education administrator, preferably at a community or technical college. Equivalent experience in business, industry, education or government may be substituted
• College or university teaching experience is preferred but not required

For questions concerning the EWC Presidential Search please contact search liaison Holly Branham at 307.532.8303.

The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees is beginning the search for a new president and are committed to offering the community opportunities to provide input.  Members of the community are invited to participate in a community forum to provide suggestions on the presidential profile.  This open forum will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2017, 4:30-5:30 pm.  Dr. Walt Nolte, EWC’s search consultant will be on campus conducting the forum.  The forum will be held in the Dolores Kaufman Boardroom, Tebbet Classroom Building, Room 274.

Please take this opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.  If you are unable to participate in person, but would like to provide feedback, please email your comments to:  presidential.search@ewc.wy.edu.

For more information please contact Holly Branham, Search Liaison at 307.532.8303.

The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees have begun the search process for a new president.  The Trustees have engaged the services of Gold Hill Associates to conduct the search and are seeking individuals interested in serving on the search committee.  The Board will appoint a committee that represents our college constituents with regard to gender, ethnicity and length of tenure.

Interested parties should submit their name on the form provided at ewc.wy.edu/presidentialsearch.  The deadline for submission is January 17, 2017.

Questions should be directed to Holly Branham, Search Liaison at 307.532.8303 or by email at holly.branham@ewc.wy.edu.