Jennifer Methvin, Ph.d., pictured, has been offered the position of president of Crowder College, according to an announcement today by the community college's board of trustees. The decision was made last Friday afternoon, Feb. 14, 2014, after an extensive discussion of the three finalists.
Methvin has served as vice chancellor for academics, University of Arkansas at Hope since 2005. Previously, she was a division chair for Arts and Sciences, a coordinator of Off-Campus Credit Courses and taught English at the University of Arkansas-Hope. From 1993-1999, she served as an assistant professor of English at Arkansas State University-Newport, and started her higher education career as an adjunct instructor at Arkansas State University-Beebe. She has received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, and Outstanding Faculty Award at both Arkansas State University-Newport and the University of Arkansas-Batesville. She has given many professional presentations and is a published author of several articles, short stories and poems.
After attaining a bachelors degree in creative writing and English from Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas and a masters degree in creative writing and English from Oklahoma State University, Methvin gained a doctorate in community college leadership from Walden University. She has been active in many professional associations and organizations at the local, state and national level, including serving as president of the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges.
The Board of Trustees had a very tough decision to make, said Andy Wood, president of the Crowder College Board of Trustees. We thought all three finalists could be great presidents. Having said that, the board of trustees came to the unanimous opinion that Dr. Methvin was the right person for Crowder. Were very excited about Dr. Methvin becoming the next president of Crowder College. We think the Crowder family and the entire community are going to be very impressed by Dr. Methvin.
Methvin's selection was the culmination of weeks of reviewing the resumes, checking background information, and researching the finalists; followed by the past several days of interviews, meetings with staff, and public forums for the three finalists recommended earlier by the presidential search committee. All constituents at the college, as well as the public, provided input to the board on the selection, and the board carefully reviewed all the comments they received before making a final decision.
The other two finalists for the position of Crowder president were Dr. Jim Cummins, vice president of finance at Crowder College, and Dr. Brent Bates, vice president of education and student services at State Fair Community College.
Methvin and her husband, Roger, and sons, Luke and Matthew, looks forward to becoming an integral part of the Crowder College community. After learning of her selection, Methvin said, I am honored and humbled to be asked to serve as the next president of Crowder College. After visiting the college last week and interacting with faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders, it is apparent to me that Crowder College is genuinely focused on and skilled at serving students. Crowder lives the comprehensive community college mission every day. Roger, Luke, Matthew, and I look forward to becoming a part of the Crowder family and joining the college in its work.
A start date will be worked out depending on her obligations to her current employer.
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