Schools

Bucks County Community College Names New President

Dr. Felicia Ganther has been appointed the next president of Bucks County Community College.

Dr. Felicia Ganther was the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2012.
Dr. Felicia Ganther was the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2012. (Bucks County Community College)

NEWTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Community College Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Felicia Ganther as its next president during a special meeting Friday.

The board unanimously approved a three-year contract for Ganther to become the next college president, ending a six-month search process. Bucks President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt is retiring at the end of the spring semester after serving in the position since 2012.

Ganther is leaving her position as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at Maricopa Community Colleges in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Los Angeles, Ganther got her bachelors and masters degrees from Norfolk State University in Virginia, then got a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago and a PhD in community resources and development from Arizona State University.

Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“We are delighted Dr. Felicia Ganther will be joining Bucks County Community College as our next president," Board of Trustees Chair David Breidinger said. "The board entered this process wanting to select an individual with a strong vision and a commitment to our students, faculty, alumni and staff, as well as the ability to expand the relationship we have with the community."

Trustee Blake Eisenhart said Ganther's appointment marks "a pivotal moment in Bucks' evolution." Ganther said she is excited to take on the role in July.

Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"I look forward to the work that is to be done over the next 15-20 years, and I know that it would not be possible without the work of President Linksz and President Shanblatt over the last 30 years" Ganther said. "I look forward to filling their shoes and moving Bucks forward."

President Shanblatt said she looks forward to working with Ganther in the coming weeks, whether it's on Zoom or in person.

"Her academic credentials, experience, and commitment to the high ideals of the community college make her amply suited to help write the next chapters in Bucks’ story,” she said.

Ganther becomes the college's fifth president in its 57-year history.

Be the first to know what's happening in your town and area. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss a minute of local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Newtown