At a recent emergency meeting this month, the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education told Pam Alderman, president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, to vacate her position, according to a report from WOWK 13 News. She was appointed as the community college’s president in May 2020.
Over the past several months, the community college’s board of governors has clashed with Dr. Alderman. During a March 19 meeting, Dr. Alderman was accused of violating West Virginia’s Ethics Act, attempting to purchase a luxury vehicle with taxpayer dollars, unfair hiring and firing practices, and refusing to work with the board of governors. The meeting concluded with an approved set of limitations for Dr. Alderman to follow until her contract ended on June 30, 2025. Additionally, the board approved a motion to open an independent agency to review concerns with Dr. Alderman’s leadership.
Now, the board of governors has voted to remove Dr. Alderman from office, citing she has not complied with the restrictions placed on her role during the March 19 meeting, including unauthorized communication with the Higher Learning Committee and unauthorized participation in media interviews. Her current contract will not be renewed.
The board of governors has selected Corley Dennison, vice chancellor emeritus of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, to serve as interim president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College until a permanent replacement is found.