MCCC's search narrows for top job.

Byline: Jessica Perry

After casting a nationwide net, supported by executive search firm R.H. Perry & Associates, the Mercer County Community College Presidential Search Committee named four finalists in the running to serve as the school's seventh president.

According to the chair of the search committee and treasurer of the board, Kevin Drennan, the pool was narrowed from more than 60 applicants.

The board announced the candidates during its monthly meeting on Feb. 17:

Warren Haynes, interim vice president for diversity, equity, & inclusion, Metropolitan Community College District;

Deborah Preston, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Raritan Valley Community College;

Matthew Reed, vice president for academic affairs, Brookdale Community College; and

Patrick Tompkins, vice president for academic, student & workforce education, Eastern Shore Community College.

During the week of March 7, all four candidates will visit the school to take part in interviews and open forums with a swath of campus constituents and mem-bers of the community, according to MCCC.

"The exceptional quality of the candidates in this search is a testament to the educational excellence and student success at Mercer County Community Col-lege," Board Chair Mark Matzen said in a statement. "The Board of Trustees encourages everyone to come out and meet each of these...