Montgomery College President Considered To Lead Nevada State

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard has been named one of four finalists for Nevada State College's top position.

Pollard — who assumed leadership of Montgomery College in 2010 — will participate in a public forum hosted by Nevada State on April 27. If selected, Pollard will replace the institution's current president, Bart Patterson, who is stepping down on June 30.

"As many institutional leaders do, Dr. Pollard is considering a professional opportunity created by the retirement of the president of Nevada State College, located in Henderson, Nevada," Montgomery College said in an emailed statement to Patch. "Dr. Pollard responded to this unique opportunity because it aligns with her deep commitment to student access and success in higher education."

Nevada State, located less than 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, first opened in 2002 and has an enrollment of about 5,500 students, according to the school's website. Nearly three-quarters of the student population is Black, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial.

Pollard received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University Chicago, according to her resume posted online. Several years later, in 2008, she became president of Las Positas College in Livermore, California.

In addition to being Montgomery College's president, Pollard is on the Board of Advisors for the Universities of Shady Grove, the Board of Directors for Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Directors for Capital Area Food Bank.

Pollard is competing against three other finalists for Nevada State's top position. They are:

• Dr. Hubert Benitez — vice president of strategy and innovation at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri
• Dr. Susan Borrego — professor and former chancellor at the University of Michigan, Flint
• Dr. Shari McMahan — provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University San Bernardino

The Presidential Search Committee is set to meet on April 28 to review the finalists. A final selection should be announced the following afternoon, according to Nevada State's website.