Harper College president search down to 2

Harper College's presidential search committee was charged with narrowing a nationwide field down to three to five candidates.

But two standouts separated themselves from the pack.

In an unusual move, officials at the Palatine college announced just two finalists to the board of trustees on Thursday. Replacing former President Robert Breuder, who left seven months early to take the top post at College of DuPage, will be either Kenneth Ender or Martha Ellis.

Ender has been president and CEO of Cumberland County College in Vineland, N.J., for nine years. The school serves about 4,500 students.

Ender, who's completed 15 marathons, was given the Northeast Region President/CEO Award by the Association of Community College Trustees last year. He's held a variety of positions at both two-year and four-year institutions.

Ellis is associate vice chancellor for community college partnerships for the University of Texas System. She coordinates transfer initiatives between 50 community college districts and the nine university institutions.

The Austin resident also spent six years as president of Lee College in Baytown, Tex. During her tenure, Lee was recognized as the sixth fastest growing mid-sized community college in the nation and increased its endowment by 315 percent.

After the eight semifinalists were interviewed off-campus last week, Harper's advisory search committee agreed to move forward with just the two candidates, said Maria Coons, interim vice president of enrollment and marketing at Harper.

"It was clear these two rose to the top," she said. "They're both well-seasoned veterans who are dedicated to the mission of community colleges."

Both will tour the Palatine campus and meet with faculty, staff, students, administration and community members. Ender will visit March 4 to 6; Ellis March 9 to 11.

Trustees could announce their choice by the end of March. Harper's new president will take office no later than July 1.