Submitted by The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College Board of Trustees voted today to officially name Dr. John Carmichael as the college’s interim president, and Dr. Dexter Gordon as the college’s executive vice president.
The board approved a two-year contract with Carmichael as interim president at an annual salary of $305,400; they also approved a contract with Gordon as executive vice present with an annual salary of $250,000.
“We are thrilled to have two eminent leaders in these key roles,” said Board Chair Karen Fraser.
The announcement is made as the college celebrates its 50th graduating class, with 794 Greeners receiving diplomas this week.
Fraser also announced that the board is suspending the search for a permanent president at this time, to allow time and space for these two leaders to grow and succeed in their roles.
Carmichael currently serves as the college’s vice president for finance and operations. He joined Evergreen in 1998, serving in a variety of roles including chief of staff and secretary to the Board of Trustees. A 1987 Bachelor of Arts graduate of the college, Carmichael also holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Evergreen and a doctorate in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University.
Gordon currently serves as director of the University of Puget Sound’s African American studies program, is the Dolliver NEH Distinguished Professor, and founding director of the university’s Race and Pedagogy Institute. Gordon holds a doctorate in rhetoric, culture, and African American studies from Indiana University Bloomington.
Carmichael will begin his service as interim president on July 1, replacing outgoing President George Bridges, who has served in the role since 2015. Gordon will begin his service later this summer.
