President Of HCC Resigns

BEL AIR, MD — The president of Harford Community College has resigned, the board of trustees announced. Dianna G. Phillips, Ph.D., resigned effective Monday, according to the board.

Phillips had been the president of the college since 2016.

"The board sincerely thanks Dr. Phillips for her contributions to the college over the past three and a half years," Chair of the Board of Trustees of Harford Community College Rev. Cordell E. Hunter Sr. said in a statement.

"During her tenure, Dr. Phillips facilitated an inclusive strategic planning process, strengthened the college’s partnership with Harford County Public Schools, and fostered an optimal learning experience for students," Hunter said in a statement. "We wish Dr. Phillips well in her future endeavors."

Officials would not comment further on the reasons for Phillips' abrupt departure, since it was a personnel matter.

Related: Phillips Named President Of Harford Community College

Three administrators were dismissed from the college in early January because of conversations they had about other employees using their work email accounts, according to The Aegis, which stated it was not apparent whether that was related to the resignation of Phillips.

A nationwide search will take place for the next president.

The board named Jacqueline Jackson, Ph.D., the interim president. Since 2017, Jackson has been the vice president of student affairs and institutional effectiveness, a role that will be temporarily filled by Jennie Towner, associate vice president for student development.

"The work of the college will continue, uninterrupted, using our strategic plan as a roadmap," Hunter said. "We have the utmost confidence in the faculty, staff, and administrators of HCC, and will continue to support them as they work to secure the best possible future for our students, the College, and all of Harford County."