By Samuel Mattison
Alabama Political Reporter
Veteran-educator Matthew Rodgers was named as the president of Enterprise State Community College Systems 3-years after the former president resigned.
Jimmy Baker, the chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, announced the decision at the System’s regular board of trustees meeting Wednesday. He said Rodgers long history of leadership and knowledge of the Enterprise community made him an ideal candidate for the position.
“He comes to Enterprise State with a unique perspective that will benefit not only our students but the entire community college system,” Baker said. “We are pleased to welcome him to the Alabama Community College System.”
Rodgers is an Auburn University alumnus with a doctorate in adult education. He also is a graduate of Troy University with a master’s degree in educational leadership. He reacted to the decision by saying he was “pleased and excited” to serve at Enterprise State Community College.
“I’ve been blessed throughout my career to play a role in preparing young people to lead successful lives,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers previously served as the principal of Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama for 7 years. He has held various positions at Enterprise High School including teacher, coach and assistant principal since 2001.
The announcement ends the 3-year search for a new president since former President Nancy Chandler announced her resignation in 2014. Since then, there have been two interim presidents serving as the head of the system. Rodgers will be succeeding Interim-president Vicky Ohlson for the position.
Ohlson announced in June that she would not seek the position after the College announced they would seek a permanent candidate for the position. Ohlson said she will now go back to her previous position as Director of Academic Affairs at the Alabama Community College Systems in Montgomery.
“I have learned so much and grown to love the faculty and staff of the College,” Ohlson said. “I have also made many close friends in the community whom I will miss seeing regularly. But I will visit at every chance, and will be an ardent supporter and advocate for the College at the State level back in Montgomery.”
The Enterprise Community College System was established in 1963 through Governor George Wallace and the Legislature. Notable alumni from the System include former US Representative and Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright.
Rodgers will start serving as president in September.
