The Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees announced today that Dr. Karla Leach will be the next president of the college. Leach will replace retiring president Dr. Tex Boggs, who has held the post for the past 20 years.

Speaking for the Board, John Freeman, Chairman, thanked the community for being a part of the process. “As a Board we felt it was important to include the community and the campus in the selection of the next president,” he said. “The faculty and staff at Western played an important role in the selection process by going through the initial screening and selecting the semi-finalists. From there the board selected and interviewed the finalists,” he explained, adding, “The community added valuable feedback through the public receptions. We feel good about our selection because of the process.”

Leach is currently the Dean of Student Learning and Organizational Development at Cy-Fair College in Cypress, Texas, just north of Houston. Originally from Amarillo, she earned her BS in Secondary Education and Business from Texas Tech University in 1981. She went on to earn her MBA in 1986 at the University of Texas at Arlington. Finally, in 1999 she received her Doctorate of Education at the University of North Texas.

“Dr. Leach brings lots of expertise in several areas that will take Western to the next level,” Freeman said.

In her current position, Leach oversees distance learning and has been an online instructor. In recent years, WWCC has seen significant growth in the numbers of site-bound students taking courses online and at its outreach centers.

“Over the past 10 years, Western has seen an 18% growth in the number of students it serves through the online programs we offer to the people of Southwest Wyoming,” said Dr. Boggs. “Dr. Leach’s distance education experience will be a tremendous asset to the college and the community.”

In addition to her academic experience, Leach also has experience using and managing technology in the business environment. She has served on many educational committees and is actively involved in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board where she has been involved with workforce education issues.

She is a member of the Texas Association of Community Service and Continuing Education, the Texas Association of College Technical Educators, the North Texas Community College Consortium and several honors societies.

Leach believes in being an active community citizen. Currently she is involved in several civic organizations in Cypress.

In a letter to the faculty and staff at Western, Leach said, “I am honored to have been selected to serve as president by your Board of Trustees.” She went on to say, “During my visits to Western, I discovered several characteristics of the College revealed through the people and organization. First, I was impressed by the celebration of knowledge evident as you walk through the halls. It was wonderful to visit with the outstanding faculty who promote this pursuit of understanding through education.

“I had the opportunity to observe the staff and their interactions as they passed through the halls and greeted each other. A friendly, open environment dedicated to the success of the students is obvious. The physical appearance and maintenance of the facilities clearly demonstrates the care and concern the College has for its students, employees, and community.

“I join you in the celebration of the contributions by Dr. Tex Boggs and his dedication to Western Wyoming Community College,” she added. “Entering the job following a gentlemen whose long tenure has guided the College through years of growth and change is an honor in itself.

You have built a wonderful legacy through your collaborative and creative efforts. I know you are proud of Western and hope you realize what an outstanding job you have done and what an excellent learning environment you have developed.”

Leach concluded by saying, “The most wonderful aspect of working in higher education is the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. Together we will learn and together we will serve to do the right things right for our students, our employees, and our community.”

Dr. Leach will start her new position July 1.

 
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