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Update: Dr. Ely just signed a three year contract with the college and is to be paid $200,000 a year. That is a $21,066.68 increase from Rutkowski's pay of $178,933.32.
The long-awaited decision was made at the Green River Community College (GRCC) Board of Trustees meeting on May 24. Dr. Eileen Ely will be replacing Rich Rutkowski as the college’s newest president.
Ely has been the president of Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) since 2006, with other career stops with Laramie County Community College, the University of Texas at Austin and the Community College of Denver.
“I want to come home,” the future president commented in an interview with the Current earlier this month. Ely grew up in the Seattle and Covington areas and graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in 1969.
“I have big shoes to fill, but I am excited to be working with the board and the entire Green River family. I can’t wait to get back in the community and get started at Green River,” Ely said after she was notified of the board’s decision.
Ely received her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, her master’s degree from Iowa State University and her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Her doctorate is in educational administration, including a main concentration in community college leadership.
“She brings the demonstrated skill set to move our college into the future,” Larry Brown, chair of the GRCC Board of Trustees, said of Ely after announcing its decision. “With the process completed, now all stakeholders can rally to support the success of our new president.”
John Ramsey, director of public information, said Rutkowski “presided over unparalleled growth at the college.”
Rutkowski has been with the college since 1974, including his 26 years as president. His years of service included major campus expansions, the formation of the Green River Community College Foundation, and the development of the college’s extensive international program.
“Dr. Ely is a great fit for the college,” said Linda Sprenger, a former member of the presidential search committee. “She will be able to come in and hit the ground running.”
Rutkowski will be formally retiring at the end June in tandem with Dr. Ely’s hiring.
For further information on Dr. Eileen Ely, pick up the next issue of The Current, available June 4 in campus newsstands.
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