NCCC News

March 2008 - NCCC appoints Frederick G. Smith Interim President:

The North Country Community College Board of Trustees has appointed Frederick G. Smith to serve as the college’s Interim President effective July 2, 2008. 

The Board’s Personnel, Program and Policy Committee interviewed three candidates from a pool of resumes forwarded by the State University of New York’s Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges, Dennis Golladay. Upon recommendation of the Personnel, Program and Policy Committee, the Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution at its regular Board meeting held February 26, appointing Frederick G. Smith to serve in the capacity as Interim President.

The Chair of the NCCC Board of Trustees, W. John Friedlander, noted, “The Board of Trustees was very fortunate to have so many highly qualified candidates seek the interim presidency at North Country. The final three candidates selected for on-campus interviews had over 60 years of combined higher educational experiences.  Fred Smith embodies the North Country Community College ideals of dedication and commitment to providing exceptional higher education offerings to the people and industries of our region. We are delighted that Mr. Smith will be joining us during this transitional phase of the College.”

Dr. Gail Rogers Rice indicated, “I was very pleased to learn that Fred Smith will assume the position of Interim President. He is the perfect choice for this important position. His experience, sense of humor and genuine interest in students and the college promise that he will serve the college well during this transitional period.”

Smith, residing in Plattsburgh, has served at Clinton Community College, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Plattsburgh in various capacities through his career. He has worked with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, which is the accrediting agency for North Country.  Also, Smith has consulted for the State Education Department and was a member and officer for the SUNY Two-Year College Business Faculty Administrators and SUNY Two-Year Chief Academic Officers.  Most recently, he was employed as the Director and Curator at the Alice T. Miner Museum in Chazy, New York.  Mr. Smith earned his BS at SUNY Albany and MBA at Syracuse University, and obtained New York State licensure as a CPA.

Smith’s appointment as Interim President at North Country Community College is contingent upon final approval by the State University of New York. The Board of Trustees will forward their recommendation immediately to SUNY. The Interim President position is slated to take effect July 2, 2008. Current president, Dr. Gail Rogers Rice, is scheduled to retire from her post on July 1, 2008. A nationwide search for a permanent replacement is currently under way.