The selection of Thomas Dolan as Nassau Community College interim president was carried out by the board of trustees in a deliberate and thoughtful manner.
Tom’s qualifications and accomplishments in the Franklin Square, Sewanhaka and Great Neck school districts make him well qualified to lead our fine institution of higher learning.
Questions regarding the qualifications of those that selected him are somewhat shortsighted in the context of an entire body of work in times of fiscal and economic distress.
The current make-up of the NCC Board of Trustees is comprised of a group of highly educated and real world accomplished individuals from varied backgrounds within and outside the educational establishment. The insight provided by each trustee is invaluable in the context of a wide range of issues for board consideration.
My approach is grounded in a deep love for Nassau Community College — as a graduate some decades ago and an advocate all the days henceforth.
One can question anyone’s qualifications to carry out a particular part of a vocation or avocation.
The questioner should take into consideration their own experiences and current situation especially when espousing views on everything under the sun. Sometimes you are on the money, somewhere in the middle or dead wrong. The law of averages shines light on this inevitable bell curve.
Having some direct insight from those on the front lines could help to keep pontificators out of the “dead wrong” column.
Many times, in haste to opine, the whole story is lost in a know-it-all missive not remotely close to the facts on the ground.
The timeframe to pick a leader of NCC is not as important as picking the right leader for decades to come.
The last leader of considerable length was at the helm of NCC for 27 years.
We hope the next permanent leader will be with us for the next generation of students, faculty, CSEA members and administrators. Time will tell.
Nassau Community College is an important institution for the residents of Nassau County.
As a trustee member of the current presidential search committee, and the last, I can assure you that we will deliberate and steadfastly perform our due diligence in the selection of a permanent president.
The search committee process is moving along in an expeditious manner as did the last presidential search committee before outside forces derailed the process.
That being said, selecting the most important
NCC administrative position will not be made in haste to appease those that would employ an immediate gratification egg timer mentality to the selection of a leader of SUNY’s premiere community college founded more than 56 years ago.
Edward W. Powers
Resident – New Hyde Park
Trustee – Nassau
Community College
