The Blue Mountain Community College Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Dennis Bailey-Fougnier as BMCC’s next President at a special board meeting today.
Bailey-Fougnier (pronounced “Four-near”) will begin his new role on May 1. Bailey-Fougnier was one of four finalists selected from a pool of 44 applicants for the position. His selection stems from multiple interviews, a meeting with the board, and forums with BMCC faculty, staff and students, and the community.
He succeeds Cam Preus who stepped down in October.
The Board of Education also took into consideration survey feedback it received from the College community on each of the candidates.
“Dennis brings a strong background in community colleges, and the ability to develop and foster relationships with the community,” said Chris Brown, chair of the BMCC Board of Education. “We are excited to bring his expertise and leadership to BMCC as we enter this new chapter.”
Bailey-Fougnier received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, his master of education from Wichita State University, and his doctor of education (ABD) in community college leadership from Oregon State University. He most recently worked for Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colo., as the Vice President of Community College Affairs. There, he supervised the community college division, which was seeing a decline in enrollment.
Through the rebuilding of programs, adding new programs, and expanding in new areas, enrollment slowly began to grow. Bringing education to rural, first-generation, and underrepresented students and their families is Bailey-Fougnier’s focus.
“I am honored to be the new president of Blue Mountain Community College,” Bailey-Fougnier said. “I am very excited to join the exceptional team at BMCC and to work with them and the community to enhance the educational opportunities for our students. I am looking forward to working with the community to find new avenues to grow our economy and workforce.”
The other three finalists included Dr. Anthony Rosilez, executive director of the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission; Jeff Sherman, assistant director for Oregon State University Extension Service – Strategic Innovation and Statewide Director; and Dr. George McNulty, vice Ppresident of Student Affairs at Colby Community College (Colby, Kan.).
Dr. Connie Green will continue to serve as Interim President until Bailey-Fougnier’s arrival in May.
