Interim Chancellor Named To Lead NH's Community College System

CONCORD, NH — The Community College System Board of Trustees has named two familiar faces to lead higher education in New Hampshire. Susan Huard, the former president of Manchester Community College, has agreed to lead the system, on an interim basis, for one year, after the departure of Chancellor Ross Gitell later this year. Brian Bicknell, the interim president of Manchester Community College, has also been appointed to permanently replace Huard.

"During these uncertain and challenging times, it is critical for CCSNH to have a leader with proven skills who can guide the college system," said Jeremy Hitchcock, the chairman of the Community College System Board of Trustees. "Susan's exemplary leadership as the president of Manchester Community College and her expertise in key aspects of NH's educational and workforce landscape gives us complete confidence that the system will be in very capable hands."

Huard, who retired in December, spent 10 years in Manchester, and is credited with expanding the school's programs including the HVAC and electrical technology facility. She said the success of the system, in turbulent times, was education leaders continually asking themselves to focus on students and the community. Gitell called Huard "an exceptionally capable leader," who is familiar with the system and how it operates, which will lead the schools to success in their next phase of evolution.

Hitchcock said Bicknell was unanimously chosen during a search for a new president for Manchester's community college. He said Bicknell had "proven his ability" to take charge, act quickly, and work well with staffers, faculty, students, and the senior system leadership. Bicknell previously was the school's vice president of academic affairs and helped led the school to doubling its graduation rate.

"I’m honored by the vote of confidence from the CCSNH trustees," said Bicknell. "The coronavirus pandemic has created a number of urgent challenges, and I am deeply proud of MCC's service to our students and the community."

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