Westmoreland County Community College has turned to one of its existing administrators to serve as interim president while the board of trustees continues to search for a successor for the college’s departing president, Tuesday Stanley.

Kristy Bishop, who has served as vice president of academic affairs during her nine years at the college, was named by the board on Wednesday to temporarily take on presidential duties beginning Monday.

Bishop “has an extensive and successful background in strategic planning and policy, which will serve the college well as higher education continues to evolve,” Stanley said.

“I don’t think there could have been a better choice,” said John Wright, who chairs the board’s personnel committee. “You made things better than you found them. I think that’s always been her attitude. She has brought us eons ahead of where we were.”

Board President William Kerr told Bishop, “You’re an integral part of this college. I know you’re going to carry us through this transition.”

“I’m going to do my very best to make sure we have stability and that everyone feels that we’re moving forward,” Bishop told the board. “I’m going to hold this together until you can find the right president.

“I believe the college is a vital part of the region, and we are working hard to deliver on the educational needs of the residents.”

Bishop, who came to the area from Kansas City, has had a leading role in strategic planning. She created a faculty orientation program and recently assumed responsibility for events and business development teams that are intended to generate additional revenue.

Bishop will be paid an additional $6,000 per month while she serves as interim president.

The board named another of its administrators, Cynthia Proctor, to take over Bishop’s duties as interim vice president of academic affairs. Proctor, who will be paid an extra $3,000 per month, will continue to serve as dean of the School of Business and Dean of the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering.

It was a bittersweet final board meeting for Stanley, who will end her 10-year term as president on Sunday, June30.

Stanley said she is leaving of her own accord to pursue work in a new field, likely related to higher education.

She will remain available to WCCC as a consultant through December, at a salary of $36,000 with benefits.

“I’m walking away from the people and the institution that I love,” Stanley said. “The college needs a fresh perspective and new ideas.”

Kerr called Stanley “an extraordinary transformational leader.”

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