Black Hawk College appoints interim president

Dr. John S. ErwinOn Thursday, Dec. 7, the Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. John Erwin to the position of interim president to replace Dr. Bettie Truitt, who is retiring at the end of December.

Dr. Erwin will assume the responsibilities of president on Jan. 2, 2018.

Board of Trustees Chair Rick Fiems said, “I would like to thank Dr. Truitt for her contributions to the college over her 30-year career. We will miss her.”

Most recently, Dr. Erwin served as interim president at Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio. Previously he served as president of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois, from 2001 to 2015. Dr. Erwin has more than 30 years of administrative and instructional experience in higher education, the majority of which has been with community colleges.

Dr. Erwin was awarded a Ph.D. in 1987 and an M.A. in 1982 from Indiana University. He received his B.A. from the University of Indianapolis in 1977.

Fiems said, “We are very pleased to have Dr. Erwin lead our college community as we continue the search for a new president.”

Fiems noted the Board was impressed with the quality of the candidates and said, “This was a difficult decision. But we feel confident Dr. Erwin will provide the leadership we need during this time of transition.”

Final contract terms are expected to be reached shortly, and Dr. Erwin’s confirmation will occur at the Dec. 14, 2017, board meeting.

Black Hawk College is a comprehensive community college serving the Illinois Quad-Cities and western Illinois.