Dr. Bruce Moses’s career in education had taken him from Northeast Arkansas Community College in Bentonville to Northwestern University, one of the premier academic institutions in the world.
But despite that impressive trajectory in his career, Moses discovered his talents could be better used elsewhere.
At Northwestern, Moses served as a project coordinator in its Scientific Careers Research and Development Group.
Yes, the job was challenging. But it was something about the students that caused Moses to have an epiphany.
Not to stereotype the students there, but the fact that many drove cars with roughly the same value as his house made Moses feel “like I didn’t belong,” he said. “Those kids didn’t need my help. They are highly prepared college students. There was nothing I could do for a Northwestern University student. That’s why I went back to the community college level.”
Moses subsequently went to Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., where he serves as vice chancellor for educational services and institutional integrity.
Moses is one of three candidates to become the next president of Allen Community College. Moses met with community members Monday for a wide-ranging discussion about his experience and educational philosophy.
Similar discussions were held last week with the other two candidates, Allen Vice President for Academic Affairs Jon Marshall, and Dr. Carmen Simone, president of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff.
IF CHOSEN, Moses quipped that he would be coming to a school not mired in dysfunction, a rarity from other recent stops.
And that stability means Allen is in a prime position to take advantage of coming economic trends.
“There’s a potential for growth for community colleges, particularly for Allen,” he explained, noting Allen’s tuition is a fraction of what other schools charge.
“Allen is solid financially,” he continued. “You have great leadership, great faculty and staff. These people love each other. They care about each other.”
He noted he worked as a peer reviewer for other colleges.
“I’ve seen a lot of institutions where it looks phenomenal from the outside, but inside, you’re dealing with dysfunction.”
That’s not the case at Allen, he concluded.
