Statement from Montgomery College Board Chair Michael J. Knapp

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Montgomery College, I want to congratulate Dr. DeRionne Pollard on being recommended by a search committee as the next president of Nevada State College (NSC) in Henderson, Nevada. We are still waiting for action by the Board of Regents for the Nevada System of Higher Education this afternoon, but expect her to be their choice. It is with mixed emotion that I share this news, as Dr. Pollard’s 11 years leading the College have driven the institution to accomplish a myriad of goals. Dr. Pollard’s leadership capacities have not gone unnoticed by NSC, a public, four-year institution. Plans for an interim president of Montgomery College and the process for selecting a new president will be announced in the coming days.

The Board is grateful to have partnered with Dr. Pollard on numerous initiatives over the years, helping to situate the College optimally to fulfill its mission. Dr. Pollard’s leadership has produced some extraordinary changes in our shared notions of inclusion, access, and quality. In many ways her unique vision has fundamentally shaped the way we think about serving our community as fiscal stewards, business partners, and architects of student success. Her practicality combined with a tireless drive has brought out the best in many of us, allowing us to contribute our own skills and leadership to the College’s work. The Board is aware that Dr. Pollard’s impact on many at the institution has been similarly inspirational and empowering. She embodies many of the most highly respected qualities of leadership. While she will be greatly missed, the Board is certain that this move will allow her to contribute in new ways to higher education and that Nevada State College will benefit from her vision.

Dr. Pollard’s work has indelibly marked the forward progress of Montgomery College, and the Board remains deeply committed to that trajectory. On behalf of the Board, I wish Dr. Pollard success in the next chapter of her professional life.