By David Combs
A candidate for Vice President of Business Services will be recommended to the College Board at its Dec. 15 meeting. The new Vice President will replace Dr. Frank Zeller who will retire in February of 2000.
Frank Papke, business manager at Rock Valley College, and Richard Vetrees, vice president of administrative services at Highland Community College, were interviewed by a search committee in November. The committee then submitted the two candidates to College President Dr. Jean Goodnow for final consideration.
Dr. Robert Marshall, who chaired the search committee, said, "We considered both finalists’ strengths and weaknesses and presented the findings to Dr. Goodnow."
The interviews were the last stage in a national search that began early in the fall semester. The upcoming vacancy was advertised in The Chronicle of Higher Education, National Association of College and University Business Officials, Higher Education Jobs on Line and in a number of other journals and newspapers. In addition, Dr. Goodnow notified the Illinois community college presidents.
The job requirements were a CPA or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, several years experience in budget formulation, bond management, long range planning, facilities master planning and human resources.
Jerry Corcoran, human resources director, said 44 people replied with 32 of them meeting the minimum requirements. A search committee was formed to review the application materials.
In addition to Dr. Marshall and Dr. Goodnow, the committee included Dr. Harriet Custer, vice president of academic affairs; Bob Billings, treasurer; Karen Henkel, accountant; and Larry Rousey, director of facilities.
The committee selected five top candidates and conducted reference checks. Three candidates were then selected to be interviewed. One candidate withdrew before being interviewed.
The interviews consisted of a full day at the college. The applicant met with a representative of the Human Resources Office and toured the campus. The applicant then met with Dr. Goodnow, was interviewed by the search committee and met the college staff in an open session.