Abrupt changes in leadership at JSCC

JACKSON, Tenn — After almost 13 years leading Jackson State Community College, a private vote by faculty and staff this week ended Dr. Bruce Blanding’s tenure as president, five months early.

“We were notified that the faculty had taken a vote of no confidence in Dr. Blanding and that precipitated me to have conversations,” explained David Gregory, Chancellor of The Tennessee Board of Regents.

Friday, Dr. Bruce Blanding announced his retirement effective immediately.

“With a large percentage of our faculty and many staff members expressing concern about the direction of Dr. Blanding’s leadership, it was time to reach out to our governing board,” said Scott Woods, chair of the faculty council.

Back in April, Blanding announced he would step down January 31, 2017 but many faculty and staff members felt that was too long to wait.

“Our faculty are very dedicated to the success of our students, that’s always our primary concern. We had a difference in philosophy about the direction of the school and the vision of the school,” communications professor Abby Lackey said.

Chancellor Gregory said he listened to the concerns of the staff and after several meetings with Dr. Blanding, decided this would be best for the college moving forward. The college appointed longtime employee, Horace Chase as interim president until a new president is named.

“Things are only going to get better, we’re very excited about the presidential search. We know that we are going to have a lot of excellent candidates,” said Lackey.

Chase, who is also the school’s Vice President of Financial and Administrative Affairs said he has no plans to apply for the president’s position.