CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The council for West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College System has approved the extension for Corley Dennison who is currently serving as the interim president at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College until the end of the year during their Wednesday meeting.
Dennison was appointed to the role at the beginning of April after President Pamela Alderman was put on paid administrative leave due to actions that she took that the council said put the school’s accreditation at risk.
Prior to his appointment in April, the council had limited Alderman’s power over the institution in March after they had found that there had been noncooperation and conflict between the board of governors, and some members of the board along with Alderman had failed to follow institutional procedures.
However, between their meeting in March and April, Alderman continued to put the institution at risk by disregarding board directives, having unauthorized communication with external agencies, publicly misrepresented internal decisions and there were reported threats and retaliation employees.
System Chancellor Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker said that since Dennison’s appointment he has brought order to Southern.
“He’s done a tremendous job and brought a lot of stability as we had hoped that he would and really really grateful for him that he’s willing to stay on till the end of the year,” Tucker said.
Council Chair Steve Roberts shared the same sentiment Tucker did.
He also said that it was great surprise when they got the chance to extend the contract.
“That was a very welcome surprise when we had that ability to let him continue until the end of the year, so I concur,” Roberts said.
Sandra Hamilton, the council member who made the motion, said she was glad that he decided to stay onto the role despite the changes happening.
“With our thinks that he’s willing to stay on until the end of year in this important role with the change,” Hamilton said.
The council also took control of the Southern’s Board of Governor’s which will limit them on appointing, dismissing and overseeing the president of Southern for two years.