Southern State Community College names next president

In unanimous vote, board of trustees offers position to Dr. Kevin S. Boys

Dr. Kevin S. Boys will take the helm as Southern State Community College’s next president, as voted by the college’s board of trustees during special session Friday, Dec. 4.

“I am excited about the opportunity of serving as president of Southern State Community College,” said Dr. Boys. “I have spent my entire 31 years in education in a K-12 setting preparing students to go on to college, so it seems like a natural progression to take on a leadership role at the college level.  I have been so impressed with the passion and commitment that the faculty, staff, and trustees have displayed toward the students and mission of Southern State.”

In a unanimous decision, the board voted to offer Dr. Boys a three-year contract with an annual salary of $155,000. Current superintendent of the Loveland City School District, Dr. Boys has accepted the position of president effective Jan. 1 and will be sworn in at the trustees’ next regular meeting Jan. 13.

“Dr. Boys has a proven track record in administration,” said Jim Ward, trustee chairman. “I’m very happy with the selection the board has made. Dr. Boys brings a lot to the table.”

On behalf of the trustees, Ward thanked the Southern State faculty and staff, and specifically Mindy Markey, director of human resources, and Stevetta Grooms, executive assistant, for their hard work throughout the selection process.

Dr. Boys was one of four finalists selected by the trustees. During an all-day event Monday, Southern State faculty and staff had an opportunity to meet with the finalists and provide feedback to the board.

“The faculty and staff feedback was very positive regarding Dr. Boys,” Ward said. “He has a strong background in education.”

A lifelong resident of the Cincinnati area, Dr. Boys has served as superintendent of the Loveland City School District since 2002. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in education and earned his master’s degree in educational administration from Xavier University. His doctor of education degree from Miami University emphasized organizations, leadership theory, curriculum issues, policy evaluation, politics of school funding, collective bargaining, and a study of power, ethics and culture.

Prior to his role in Loveland, Dr. Boys worked in the Sycamore Community School District as assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal and classroom teacher.

In June, current president Dr. Sherry A. Stout announced her plan to retire effective Dec. 31, 2009. Dr. Stout has served Southern State since its founding in 1975, most recently as the college’s fourth president.