SBOE appoints Harrison president of Gadsden State

Staff Reports

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama State Board of Education last week approved Anne McNutt as president of Bevill State Community College, W. Darryl Harrison as president of Gadsden State Community College, and Herbert Riedel as president of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College at its regular board meeting.

“In the last 12 months you all have appointed nine phenomenal college presidents to an already outstanding group in the two-year college system,” Chancellor Bradley Byrne stated as he talked to the SBOE members regarding their approvals. “You all are doing great work and your processes are working well for the system.”

In recommending the candidates for the presidential positions, Chancellor Byrne spoke to the experience, leadership and commitment that each candidate would bring to their respective posts.

“Thank you so much for your vote of confidence,” McNutt said as she addressed the State Board of Education and Byrne. “Bevill State has wonderful opportunities and I think that the area is going to be so important to the economic development of the state.I found the community at Bevill to be warm and receptive and I look forward to working with the community and the college to take Bevill to the next level.”

Harrison is vice president for academic affairs at West Georgia Technical College in LaGrange, Ga. Previously, he served in various administrative positions at Northwestern Technical College, including director of Continuing Education and director of Instruction and Distance Education.

“I would like to thank the board and Chancellor Byrne for this opportunity,” said Harrison. “I look forward to coming back to the state of Alabama and particularly living in the Gadsden area. It is an exciting time for that area. I am looking forward to being there and appreciate the opportunity to serve again in the state.”

Both Harrison and Riedel will assume their presidential posts effective Jan. 1, 2009. McNutt will assume her presidential position Jan. 15.