Dr. Jim Shaeffer arrived on campus at Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa on Monday, stepping in to the role of President of the college following Dr. Linda Thomas Glover, and Interim Dr. Billy Greer.
Shaeffer comes to the Shore after serving as the Founding Dean of the College of Continuing Education and Professional Development, at Old Dominion University (ODU). The College of Continuing Education and Professional Development was established in February 2014. As the Dean of the college, Shaeffer provided leadership in meeting the mission of providing high quality professional development and personal continuing education opportunities for nontraditional learners. He was selected for his new role at ESCC from a field of over 90 candidates and 4 finalists this past May.
Dr. Shaeffer remarked “As my professional positions and contexts have changed, I found that my leadership is dynamic. I continue to grow and learn about leadership through the people with whom I work and learn. In these times of change within higher education, our teams constantly need to be supported so that they can be the best they can be. We need to be looking ahead at what is to come and position ourselves to be ready to move confidently in that direction, This means taking risks, which I believe has been a hallmark of my career.”
Dr.Shaeffer takes over the leadership as ESCC embarks on a 3 year “Refresh” initiated by the State Board for Community Colleges to establish Eastern Shore Community College as a strong, sustainable college that will more effectively and efficiently serve the educational and training needs of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
ESCC is also opening its brand new Academic Building at the end of this year, in preparation for the Spring 2020 semester. Construction began in October of 2017, and is slated to be completed two years later this October.
Currently, enrollment is in full swing for the Fall 2019 semester that begins on August 19th. Expanded hours exist on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am-6pm for assistance with financial aid application and registration. The priority deadline for financial aid to be applied to fall classes is July 15th. Open House Orientation for new students is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16th in morning and evening sessions, from 10am-12pm and 6pm-8pm. Registration will be open through August 16th on campus, and August 18th online, with classes beginning Monday, August 19th. There is no late registration. Call 757-789-1789 or log on to es.vccs.edu for more information.
