By Zach Hester, Reporter

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Joe Burke, vice president and dean of instruction at Northeast Alabama Community College, will move to become the new interim president of Calhoun Community College.

Burke has served in both his positions for 11 years. The announcement was made by the Alabama Community College System on Wednesday morning at a board of trustees meeting.

“Dr. Burke is a proven leader who has devoted his career to improving the lives of community college students and I’m confident his skill set fits the description of the leader Calhoun Community College needs at this time,” said Alabama Community College System (ACCS) President Jimmy H. Baker.

A search for a permanent president has not begun.

“I’m a firm believer in the power of community college and its ability to change the lives of those who attend,” said Burke. “It is a privilege to be able to serve students in this new capacity and I look forward to working with my colleagues at Calhoun to continue the college’s commitment to success for every student.”

Burke is a career educator with more than 30 years of experience in higher education as an instructor, counselor and administrator. He started teaching at NACC in the latter half of 1988 as a psychology teacher and by serving in the Admissions Office. After 14 years, he became Director of Admissions and Student Services and then became Vice President in 2007.

Burke will begin his tenure as interim president at Calhoun Community College on Monday, May 14.