JWCC president among three finalists for chancellor position with Eastern Iowa Community College District

QUINCY — Bryan Renfro, president of John Wood Community College in Quincy, is one of three finalists for the position of district chancellor with the Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD). 

A search committee composed of faculty, staff, students and community members conducted semifinalist interviews in February and recommended finalists to the Board of Trustees. The other finalists are Naomi DeWinter, president of Muscatine (Iowa) Community College and EICC Vice Chancellor of Student Development, and Jennifer Berne, provost at Oakland Community College, which has five campuses in Oakland County, Mich.

Liang Chee Wee, interim chancellor at EICC, will conclude his two-year tenure in June. The EICCD Board of Trustees will interview the finalists and make a final selection, with an announcement expected in early April.

Renfro started his position at John Wood on Jan. 4, 2023, succeeding Michael Elbe, who retired Dec. 31, 2022.

Public forums for the EICCD chancellor finalists are being held this week and next week. Renfro visited Clinton Community College on Monday, then visited Muscatine Community College and Scott Community College in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Tuesday. 

Forums for DeWinter and Berne are scheduled for March 10-13.

A Feb. 28 press release from the EICCD noted that a fourth finalist has withdrawn from the process.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, founded in 1965, is comprised of Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. The district covers all of Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott counties, as well as parts of Cedar and Louisa counties. 

Renfro’s career spans multiple institutions and roles — vice president of academic instruction at Paris Junior College in Texas, associate vice provost of academic and workforce affairs at Tyler Junior College in Texas, and dean of business and public services at Hawkeye Community College in Iowa. 

A native of Kingston, Tenn., Renfro earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, and a doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in community college leadership from Iowa State University.  

Renfro said in a biography on the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges website that he is drawn to the position to expand access to high-quality, student-centered education while fostering economic growth and innovation. 

“He believes community colleges serve as engines of opportunity, helping individuals pursue their dreams and transform their lives,” the bio read. “He wants to use his leadership experience to contribute to EICC’s continued success by strengthening partnerships, enhancing student support services, and ensuring every student has the tools and resources to achieve their goals.”

JWCC Board of Trustees Chairman Bob Rhea issued a statement regarding Renfro’s candidacy:

“Dr. Bryan Renfro, was recently recruited to be a candidate for the Chancellor position at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. He was selected as one of the finalists and interviewed for the position. This recognition speaks highly of JWCC accomplishments under his leadership and the growing reputation of excellence for our college that is noticed by institutions across the Midwest.  This role offers a larger opportunity to expand his vision and leadership across multiple institutions.

“Just as we expect growing opportunities for JWCC students, faculty, and our staff, we likewise understand and respect the professional advancement opportunity presented to Dr. Renfro.  JWCC has more to get done in support of our students, and we hope President Renfro remains a key part of our JWCC community.  While we wish for his continued service to JWCC, we will not impede anyone from reaching higher aspirations.  We remain focused on the many exciting projects and initiatives that are helping our JWCC students and community thrive. The JWCC Board of Trustees is committed to effective leadership with a continuing focus on improving the student experience and promoting student success.”