By By Kerry Whipple-Bean
Dr. Susan McBride, president of Brewton's Jefferson Davis Community College, is chairing the search committee for a new president at troubled Bishop State Community College in Mobile.
Former Bishop State president Yvonne Kennedy resigned last summer after incidents at the school, including charges some employees stole $200,000 from the college and probation status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Bishop State's accrediting agency.
Kennedy was not charged with any wrongdoing.
"Bishop State is such an important college to the state and the region," McBride said, noting its proximity to the state docks and other industries in the Mobile area.
McBride said she is also pleased to have JDCC recognized by two-year college Chancellor Bradley Byrne.
"I think it's important that we have precedence in the system," she said. "I'm interested in doing what's best for the state."
In addition to helping hire a new president, McBride said she is excited that her role will also include leading the new team at Bishop State toward finding a new president.
"I'll mostly be helping a group of people form themselves into a team," she said.