Photo by Shawn Arrajj

The Lone Star College System board of trustees named Steve Head, president of LSC–North Harris, as the sole finalist for the open chancellor position June 10 at a special meeting. The board voted unanimously.

The board search committee selected two finalists from 19 applicants after a vetting process that involved public forums at each of the six LSC campuses and meetings with various college and community groups. The other finalist, Michael Burke, president of Milwaukee Area Technical College, withdrew his application earlier this week, citing personal reasons.

Head said he expects the move to chancellor to be a smooth transition.

"I've been a System person for a long time," he said. "I started when we had 6,000–7,000 students. I'm very knowledgeable about the issues, not only from the college perspective, but from the system perspective. I also know what the community is interested in."

Head received his doctorate in history from Texas Tech University and has served a number of roles with LSCS, including as executive vice chancellor, acting chief operating officer and president of LSC–Kingwood.

Head said among his top areas of concern are keeping finances in order, providing opportunities for professional and personal development for employees and continuing to help students find success, including the further development of workforce programs and specialized centers. He also mentioned the importance of regularly reviewing employee compensation.

Head emphasized that he does not plan to make any major changes to the way the system functions.

"We have a really good system," he said. "There is nothing broken here. We have a student plan that I would take anywhere. We're the leader in the state and we have the opportunity to be the premier community college in the country. We want to continue along that path."

Considering the projected student growth, Head said the board will eventually go back and revisit a possible bond election.

"That's a board decision, but if we have the growth that it looks like we're going to have, it's a distinct possibility," he said. "It's either that or sooner or later we're going to have to put a freeze on enrollment for the colleges approaching peak capacity. That's the reality of it all."

In describing his leadership style, Head also addressed the importance of communication and remaining transparent. One of the top issues that came up in his discussions with the faculty at each campus was the need to be visible and have regular forums, he said.

"I think the chancellor needs to be seen," he said. "People want to hear from the chancellor and make sure they are heard. Each of the colleges has its own personality, and it's important that we be consistent in what we do. That's where the system comes in."

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before an official vote can be held to approve Head as chancellor. Board members will take a public vote in July at a date to be announced.

"Lone Star College is poised for great things and Steve Head has the credentials and experience to continue to move Lone Star College in the right direction," said David Holsey, LSCS board chair, in a statement. "This college will be in very capable hands with Steve at the helm."

Richard Carpenter, who served as LSCS chancellor since 2007, announced in February that he was retiring as chancellor this summer.