JSCC hosts third finalist in presidential search

JACKSON, Tenn. — The search for Jackson State Community College’s next president continues as the third candidate, David Bathe, comes all the way from Indiana.

Bathe currently is the chancellor of Ivy Tech Lafayette in Kokomo. The forum allows him to learn more about the college and hear from the community.

“One of the things you always do when you come into a position is kind of do an environmental scan, and you do that internally to understand where people are within the institution and what their vision of the future is,” Bathe said.

Students and staff had an opportunity to ask Bathe questions about his plans for the college.

“Through their questions and vision of what they believe they need and how the college should move forward helps you have a direction as you work with faculty and staff,” Bathe said.

Bathe said if he’s selected as the new president he hopes to increase economic growth throughout the community. “You look at those broader rural needs and see how you can help develop those communities, and that will ultimately help bring in business and industry for them so they can better serve and advance the economies there.”

Some students say it’s important for the future president to encourage students to be active on campus.

“Basically just get them here, get them more engaged and here to learn,” student Rasheed Bates said.

Bathe said as president he hopes to advance students individually and work with faculty and staff to make JSCC a place for more opportunities.

“I have a commitment to really the vision of serving all people through the community college system,” Bathe said.

The fourth and final presidential candidate will have a chance Friday to speak with students, faculty and staff. After that, the Board of Regents will meet in early December to make a recommendation to the chancellor.