By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A leader at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has been named one of three finalists for the top spot at Mitchell Community College.
Rod Townley, vice president of academic programs at Rowan-Cabarrus, will compete against Dr. Tim Brewer, executive vice president and chief academic officer at Mitchell, and Dr. Kristi Snuggs, vice president of instruction at Edgecombe Community College, for the president’s position at Mitchell.
“Although I am thoroughly enjoying my work at RCCC, I was intrigued with the opportunity to pursue a presidency almost in my own back yard,” Townley said in an email to the Post. “Mitchell presents a unique opportunity as the school has been strongly supported by the community for over 150 years, and it is a school known for its innovation and the high-quality of its instruction.”
Townley said he decided to pursue the position after discussing it with Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol Spalding.
“We should find out soon who has been selected, and if I am not named, I am looking forward to continuing the good work that we are doing at RCCC,” he said.
Townley has been at Rowan-Cabarrus since September 2009. Prior to coming to Salisbury, he served as a dean at Central Piedmont Community College for more than a decade.
Mitchell received 54 applications for the position nationwide.
Townley will participate in a “meet and greet” at the college’s two campuses Tuesday through Thursday.
The Mitchell Board of Trustees plans to vote on the new president during its Jan. 25 board meeting.