EVERETT – The Everett Community College board appointed Joseph Whalen, the school’s vice president of human resources, as interim president on Tuesday evening.
He will replace after the last day of President Daria Willis on December 31. Willis is leaving to lead Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland.
“I was just very impressed with Joe’s ability to rise to the challenge,” said board chair Toraya Miller at the directors meeting on Tuesday night.
Whalen joined Everett Community College this summer. Previously, he worked in human resources for 18 years in healthcare, defense and government, according to a press release.
“I look forward to continuing to defend the legacy of this college,” he said.
Whalen received his Associate’s Degree from North Idaho College, a BA from Eastern Washington University, and an MA from St. Edward’s University.
He will serve until the board selects an interim president while it searches for a new executive to lead the day-to-day operations of the school.
“We are very committed to this mission for you, Joe, and you have the full support of the Board of Directors,” said administrator Betty Cobbs.
Whalen will take on the lead role right after a heated debate took place at the school’s Early Learning and Education Center.
Last month, college executives were criticized for their plan, which they then halted, to shut down the center and instead rent it to an outside agency to run similar programs and childcare services. .
Discussions on the future of the center are underway.
Ben Watanabe: bwatanabe@heraldnet.com;
