New Tri-C president sworn in at Westshore Campus

President-elect Dr. Alex Johnson is administered his oath of office at a Tri-C board of trustees meeting at the Westshore Campus June 27.

The Cuyahoga Community College Westshore Campus hosted its board of trustees meeting on Thursday, June 27. And what an historic board meeting it was. The new Tri-C college President Dr. Alex Johnson was sworn in, and outgoing President Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton received president emeritus status.

“Thank you for your support of my presidential leadership and guidance you provided me as we worked to achieve the mission, vision and values of Cuyahoga Community College,” said Thornton to the board members.

During Dr. Thornton’s 21-½ year tenure, the College has grown from 23,000 to 32,000 students, added two corporate college sites, a center in Brunswick and the newest campus in Westlake.

Incoming president Dr. Alex Johnson plans to focus on four immediate priorities: access, community engagement, affordable tuition and evolving and sustaining Tri-C’s positive image.

The appointment at Tri-C marks Dr. Johnson’s fourth community college presidency in a 35-year career in higher education. Prior to his five years at the Community College of Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, he served as chancellor at Delgado Community College in New Orleans and as campus president of Tri-C’s Metropolitan Campus. His previous roles included administrative and faculty positions in both K-12 and higher education.

The Tri-C Westshore Campus President Dr. J. Michael Thomson was elated to be host to the board meeting and the swearing in of the new college president. “This was an historic moment for the College, and for the newest campus to host such an event truly connects the Westshore community with the college as a whole.”

Tri-C is the largest of 23 community colleges in Ohio. The College is second in Ohio and 61st in the nation in conferring associate degrees in all disciplines.

Kristin Broka

Cuyahoga Community College

Read More on Higher Education
Volume 5, Issue 14, Posted 9:46 AM, 07.09.2013