WTCS: president accepts new position

Contact:
Dr. Richard Carpenter, 608-266-1770
Kyle Schwarm, 608-266-0050

MADISON— Dr. Richard Carpenter, president of the Wisconsin Technical College System announced today that he has accepted a new job as president of the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN).

“I am filled with very mixed emotions,” stated Carpenter. “The WTCS is truly a world class system and I have been deeply honored to serve these past 2 ½ years as its president. I did not initiate a search for a new job as I have truly enjoyed my work here. Our colleges are fortunate to have outstanding presidents, dedicated district boards and the best faculty I have worked with in my 25 years of community college leadership. The economic vitality of this state is heavily dependent upon the technical college system, and therefore I see a bright future for Wisconsin,” Carpenter added.

“I don’t think most people in Wisconsin realize the level of dedication and professionalism of the State Board,” added Carpenter. “These public servants work tirelessly and without compensation to ensure the integrity and responsiveness of the WTCS. So do the district boards. Both deserve much more recognition than they get.”

The 50-year old Carpenter has served as president of the WTCS since January of 2002. He has not determined his final date yet with the WTCS, but anticipates working with the system through at least July. Details on replacing Carpenter have not yet been discussed by the WTCS Board.

Carpenter described the CCSN is the largest higher education institution in Nevada. It is the fifth largest community college in the world. Both the search committee and the Regents committee voted unanimously to extend the offer to Carpenter.

The Wisconsin Technical College System has 16 technical college districts throughout Wisconsin, which offer more than 300 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas. In addition, the system is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. One out of every nine adults in Wisconsin receives education from the state’s 16 technical colleges. The WTCS Web site is located at www.witechcolleges.com.