SCCC President is Finalist for Job in Illinois, College Awaits News

Seward County Community College president Dr. Ken Trzaska has been named a finalist for the position of president of Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, Ill. The announcement that he has advanced to the final selection phase will be made public on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Trzaska, who has served in his current role at SCCC since 2015, said the possibility of leaving Southwest Kansas is an emotional one.

“This potential job change is in essence about my personal and professional aspirations to impact education with the kindness and grit that is embodied at Seward,” he said. “The connection at SCCC has been profound, and continually inspires me to grow and strive for perpetual betterment. Ultimately, that growth may lead to change. This opportunity could lead me back to the region of the country where my journey began and where my daughter plans to continue studies.” Lewis & Clark serves approximately 12,000 students at multiple campuses in the St. Louis area.

Following interviews with finalists, a hiring decision from Lewis & Clark may be announced as early as mid-May, but Trzaska said he is aware of the complications created by COVID-19 and intends to structure any impending changes in employment “around the needs of SCCC, in conversation with the Board of Trustees.” Lewis & Clark has operated with an interim presidential team since December 2019.

“As always, I value transparency and integrity in navigating these situations,” Trzaska said.

The regular SCCC Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. May 4, in virtual/phone-in format. Details about log-in and comment procedures will be announced prior to the meeting.