Suffolk County Community College board OKs McKay
The Suffolk County Community College board of trustees Thursday completed its sometimes tortured search for its sixth president in the college's half-century history - authorizing a three-year contract for Shaun L. McKay.
The vote - done as part of a packet of resolutions - was approved by the board without any discussion or public debate after a 90-minute closed session. One board member, Walter Hazlitt, left the room before the final vote and returned afterward. Asked later if he supported McKay's appointment, he said, "No comment."
The board's resolution authorizes chairman Ernesto Mattace to complete details of the presidential contract with McKay, now the college's acting executive vice president.
The contract starts March 24 and will pay McKay $230,000 in the first year, $15,000 more than his predecessor Shirley Robinson Pippins, who left early last year. But Mattace defended McKay's salary, saying it is at the same level as the new Nassau Community College president.
"We've come to a decision that is best for the college," said Mattace after the vote, citing McKay's "expertise in academics" and his "strong ties to the students, faculty and community."
McKay, 44, of Manorville, faces proposed state aid cuts that could cost the three-campus school $5.6 million in the coming year. Those cuts come at the same time the college has record enrollment growth because of the sagging economy.
McKay, who has worked at the college for 4 1/2 years, said his first priority will be to deal with state aid cuts and to use the college to retrain unemployed workers to boost the area's economy.
McKay was picked as one of three finalists from a field of more than 30. When two other finalists dropped out, the board extended the search, causing protests from Brentwood campus faculty where McKay has been executive dean. Several county lawmakers and minority groups complained that McKay was passed over. It also became known that McKay had twice filed for bankruptcy in Maryland.
After the protests, the board decided to interview McKay again and instructed Mattace to begin contract talks, which the board chairman said yesterday have not been completed.
McKay's' appointment needs to be approved by the SUNY board of trustees.
'We have to do better' Newsday high school sports editor Gregg Sarra talks about a bench-clearing, parent-involved incident at a Half Hollow Hills West basketball game.
'We have to do better' Newsday high school sports editor Gregg Sarra talks about a bench-clearing, parent-involved incident at a Half Hollow Hills West basketball game.
