Dr. Shelley Barkley will become the ninth president in Spoon River College’s history and the first woman to serve in that role in SRC’s 66-year history.
“I think all institutions of higher education should be a home and a place for all students to see possibilities,” Barkley told TSPR after being introduced to the Macomb community Wednesday afternoon at the campus on East Jackson Street.
“For me, it’s particularly meaningful to understand that the female journey in leadership has in the past looked different for some, but that there is opportunity for all.”
Barkley is currently vice president of academic and student affairs at John Wood Community College in Quincy. She’s been at John Wood for around three years.
Barkley said she was drawn to SRC because it is known in the state as an institution of excellence.
She also said she loves rural communities.
“I’m really excited to work for a small institution that really can have a big economic impact for the local communities it serves,” she said.
Barkley grew up in Plainfield, Ill., which was a rural area at the time but now is part of the suburban sprawl in the Chicago area. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University and a doctorate from Ferris State University.
She said her first order of business as SRC president will be to get out and about to meet people and learn about the district’s landscape.
“What are some ideas people are thinking about? Where are people envisioning the future of Spoon River College, and really get to know that in a short amount of time,” Barkley said.
She plans to continue working toward development of a career and technical education center at the Macomb campus. She said it’s a priority for SRC’s board and for the community.
Barkley is a sports fan, especially football.
“I really love fantasy football. I love player statistics. You name it. If it has something to do with football, I’m in,” she said.
Contract details are still being finalized. Trustees will be asked to officially approve hiring Barkley when they hold their monthly meeting next week.
Barkley is expected to take office on Monday, Aug. 31. Holly Norton will continue serving as interim president until then.
Board of Trustees Chairperson Kevin Meade said Barkley’s starting salary will be $200,000.
The search for SRC’s next president began in February, when President Curt Oldfield announced plans to leave the position after 14 years. He became president of Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield on July 1.
Meade said trustees wanted to have Oldfield’s successor in place by around the start of the new school year, and they felt the best candidates would be available now rather than waiting until the fall.
“There wasn’t any reason not to move so quickly,” Meade said.
He said the search committee started with 42 resumes, and interviewed eight candidates via Zoom. Meade said Barkley was the committee’s top choice after reviewing resumes and again after the interviews.
He said the board also found Barkley to be their top choice.
“So, it was actually fairly easy. Every group we dealt with said that was the person,” Meade said.
He said Barkley provides experience and knowledge about Illinois.
Meade also said Barkley has an ability to bring people together. He believes students and staff will love her.
SRC is a two-year community college with campuses and community outreach centers in Canton and Macomb, and learning centers in Rushville and Havana.
The college introduced Barkley at its Canton campus Wednesday morning.
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