Presidential Search 2026
In January 2026, State Fair Community College President Dr. Brent Bates formally announced his decision to retire. After a distinguished career spanning almost 40 years in higher education, Dr. Bates will step down Dec. 31, 2026.
The Board of Trustees has announced that the search is underway to identify the next President of State Fair Community College.
Applications and nominations for the position of President of State Fair College are currently being accepted until the position is filled.
The target date for applications is Sept. 10, 2026.
If you have any questions or suggestions, or would like to make a confidential inquiry, please contact:
Bradley Ebersole, Ph.D.
ACCT Search Consultant
(740) 538-7989 (m)
bradleyebersole@gmail.com
Presidential Search Timeline
| April 22, 2026 | ACCT facilitates a series of open public forums to solicit input for the development of a Draft Presidential Profile. |
| April 23, 2026 | Search Committee Training and Orientation: Committee receives, reviews, and edits the draft Presidential Profile. The Board of Trustees to review, edit, and finalize the Presidential Profile. |
| Week of April 26, 2026 | Position is open and advertised. The Presidential Profile is posted on the College website and acctsearches.org. ACCT conducts targeted local, state-wide, and national one-to-one recruitment. |
| September 10, 2026 | Target Date for Receipt of Applications. Position open until filled. |
| September 2026 | Search Committee Meeting: Discussion and selection of confidential semifinalist candidates. |
| October 2026 | Search Committee Meeting: Confidential interviews with semifinalists. Committee deliberates and selects finalists to forward to the Board of Trustees for further consideration. |
| October 2026 | Finalists interview with the Board of Trustees, tour campuses, participate in open public forums, and meet with direct reports. |
| November 2026 | Board of Trustees announces the next President of State Fair Community College. |
| January 1, 2027 | Start date for next President or as agreed upon by the President-elect and the Board of Trustees. |
Timeline is subject to change
Presidential Search Progress Reports
Presidential Profile Development Survey
The Board of Trustees has developed a brief online survey to help inform the development of college’s presidential profile. Survey responses will remain anonymous. The deadline to submit feedback is 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22.
