LMC names new president
Published 9:26 am Wednesday, November 25, 2015
BENTON TOWNSHIP — Dr. Jennifer Spielvogel has been chosen as the next president to lead Lake Michigan College.
The college’s board of trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday morning to enter into negotiations with Spielvogel immediately. If all goes well, she will begin her term Jan. 1, succeeding Dr. Robert Harrison, whose contract expires at the end of 2015. Harrison announced his retirement in March after 16 years at the college.
Jennifer Spielvogel
Spielvogel currently serves as vice president of evidence and inquiry at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. She brings more than 25 years of higher education experience from both two-year and four-year institutions including Lewis University in Illinois, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Michigan, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
She also worked for The Gallup Organization as a senior research director in its government and education division. Spielvogel holds a Ph.D. from University of Michigan in Higher Education Administration.
LMC received more than 70 applications for the job back in September, and had narrowed the list down to three finalists — Spielvogel, and Robert Spohr from Montcalm Community College. LMC’s internal candidate, Dr. Clinton Gabbard, withdrew his application prior to the board of trustees vote in order to focus on his candidacy as a finalist for president of McHenry County College in Illinois.
“Even after months of rigorous reviews, assessments, interviews, background checks, and hundreds of letters and phone calls from employees and community members, it was still a tough decision because we had such excellent candidates,” said LMC Board Chair, Mary Jo Tomasini.
“Each brought a unique set of skills, experience, and perspective. Dr. Spielvogel stood for her vast experience, strong background in strategic leadership and data-driven approach to decision making.”
“Ultimately, we must choose the right leader for the right time in this particular point in the college’s history,” Tomasini said. “LMC is considered a leader among Michigan Community Colleges. We’re in a strong position, and we believe Dr. Spielvogel is an outstanding individual who will help us continue to grow and evolve, while respecting and maintaining the culture that makes the college special.”
