June 9, 2021

After a rigorous search, the board voted to offer Gavin the presidency June 8 at a public board meeting. The trustees discussed each candidate and reviewed comments from faculty, staff, students and community members before making a decision. The Board also authorized a virtual campus visit to Gavin’s current college and directed Chair Nash, together with counsel, to negotiate the employment contract.

Gavin, Ph.D., is currently vice president of Learning at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland. Gavin has a doctorate in American studies from the University of Maryland in College Park, a master’s degree in literature from American University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree in literature from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

“We had a tremendous and well-qualified pool of candidates to consider, and I’d like to thank all members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee for their dedication to this process,” Board Chair Mike Nash said. “I’d also like to thank all campus and community members for their participation in sharing their thoughts and hopes in a new leader. Dr. Gavin impressed us all with his experience and strategic vision of Delta, and I am confident he will be an outstanding leader for years to come.”

Trustee Mary Lou Benecke chaired the search advisory committee for the replacement of Dr. Jean Goodnow, who will retire in August after serving 16 years as president. Delta began the search for its next president in January, shortly after Goodnow announced her retirement.

Learn more about the search at delta.edu/presidentialsearch.

Written by Leah Twilley, Communications Specialist.