Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) appointed Bryan Renfro, PhD, as the next Chancellor following a special board meeting Tuesday. Renfro, who currently serves as the President of John Wood Community College in Quincy, Illinois, brings more than 20 years of experience in community college leadership, academic instruction, and workforce development.
Renfro has spent his career working to expand educational access and strengthen connections
between community colleges, local industry, and the broader community. Before his
presidency at John Wood, he held leadership roles at Paris Junior College and Tyler
Junior College in Texas, including Vice President of Academic Instruction, Associate
Vice Provost of Academic and Workforce Affairs, and Dean of Professional and Technical
Programs. Renfro also has experience at Hawkeye Community College and Colorado Mountain
College.
In addition to his leadership roles, Renfro has taught anthropology and criminal justice courses and served as a department chair. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a focus on Community College Leadership from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee.
The search for EICC’s next Chancellor was led by Larry Ebers, PhD, and included extensive
community involvement. Stakeholders from across the district participated in forums
and provided valuable feedback to guide the search committee in selecting the right
leader for the college.
“Through a thoughtful and inclusive process, we have selected Bryan Renfro to lead
EICC into its next chapter. I’m confident his leadership experience, commitment to
community engagement, and passion for student success make him the ideal person to
build on our strong foundation,” said Michelle Garvin, Board of Trustees Member and
Chair of the Search Committee. “We also want to thank everyone who participated, including
our search committee and those who attended forums and provided their feedback. Their
input was invaluable.”
Renfro shared his enthusiasm about joining EICC, emphasizing the college’s important role in transforming lives through education.
“Throughout my career, as a faculty member and administrator, I’ve been guided by a student-first philosophy. I will continue this approach in a collaborative spirit, with a strategic focus, and with the utmost respect for the transformative power of the community college to change lives,” Renfro said.
“I promise to be a thoughtful steward of this college and of the public resources entrusted to us. I will work to ensure that education remains accessible and affordable, and I will strive to foster innovation that expands partnerships, develops new academic programs, and enhances the support systems our students need to succeed.”
Renfro will begin his role as Chancellor on July 1, succeeding Interim Chancellor Liang Chee Wee, PhD.
For more information, please contact Johnna Kerres, EICC’s Associate Director for Marketing and Communications at jkerresFREEEICC or 563-336-3464.