Dr. Shelley Barkley
The Spoon River College Board of Trustees has selected Shelley Barkley, Ed.D., as the College’s next president, pending final contract negotiations. She will serve as the college’s 9th president and the first female to lead the college. A nationally recognized community college leader with extensive experience in student success, workforce development, and institutional transformation, Barkley is expected to begin her duties on August 31 following formal Board approval at the July meeting.
“Selecting a president is the most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees, and we approached this search with great care and thoughtfulness,” said Kevin Meade, chair of the Spoon River College Board of Trustees. “Dr. Barkley distinguished herself throughout the search process through her exceptional commitment to student success, her innovative leadership, and her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural community colleges. Her experience leading academic and student affairs, advancing workforce partnerships, and improving student outcomes aligns closely with Spoon River College’s mission and vision for the future. We are excited to welcome her to Spoon River College.”
The presidential search attracted a strong pool of candidates from across the country. The search committee, comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders, worked alongside former SRC president Dr. Keith Miller and ACCT, a national search firm, to identify candidates who align with the College’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.