Interviews with semifinalists wrapped up this week

The east wall of the Green House is completely covered with championship banners from the seven sports at SCCC. The new AD, it’s expected, will add to the collection. 

With the resignation of seasoned Athletic Director Galen McSpadden in November, Seward County Community College is poised to move its athletic program forward under fresh leadership in the athletic department. However, doing things “The Seward County Way” —the college’s long-time nickname for processes marked by integrity and valuing others — requires time. 

“We’re moving along at a pace the board has requested,” said SCCC President, Dr. Ken Trzaska. “Everyone is eager to move forward, to see positive energy around this change. At the same time, stakeholders from the community, to coaches, instructors, and most important of all, our student-athletes, depend on our committment to taking steps to find the right person for this position.” 

McSpadden, who continues as head baseball coach, filled the AD position at SCCC for more than 30 years. He resigned from director duties Dec. 18, 2016. The public announcement of the AD opening was followed by advertising in local media, on the college’s website, and through state and national job posting entities. Applications remained open through Jan. 23. 

The college’s interview committe completed a first round of applicant reviews on paper, followed by a round of Skype interviews with eight semifinalists. Three finalists will be invited for on-campus interview days, which will include meetings with SCCC faculty and staff, students, the Board of Trustess and executive team, and interested members of the public. 

“The Athletic Director position is an important, key role at SCCC, and Galen has built a tremendous legacy over this time here,” said Trzaska. “It’s only natural that we want to get candidates on campus to get to know us, and allow our community to meet them, as we go through this transitional process.”

The board hopes to review an administrative recommendation for hiring at its March 6 meeting. The tentative start date for SCCC’s new AD —whoever that may be —is April 1, pending individual circumstances. 

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