Senate leader a finalist for community college presidency

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Donald E. Williams Jr.

Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, who is not seeking re-election after 22 years in office, was named Wednesday as one of three finalists for the presidency of Quinebaug Valley Community College.

Williams will visit the campus Thursday to meet faculty and students.

“He has a deep knowledge and appreciation of the needs of businesses and families in northeastern Connecticut, and the benefits and resources provided by QVCC,” the Board of Regents said in a statement. “As President of the State Senate, Williams has earned a reputation as a thoughtful and effective legislator who has formulated cutting edge initiatives in higher education.”

Williams’ application for the job has stirred consternation among several former members of the governing board overseeing the community colleges who believe he is not qualified. As a member of the legislature, he is not legally able to accept the position until his term expires in January.

The college is in Danielson, a borough of Killingly, and sits inside Williams’s 29th Senatorial District.

Read his resume here.

Carlee Drummer, another finalists, is visiting the campus Wednesday. Drummer has worked at Oakton Community College in Illinois since 2001 and most recently has been the school’s executive director of advancement and of the Educational Foundation. Read her resume here.

Dale Allen visited the campus last week. He is the vice president for community engagement at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Mass. Read his resume here.