Into The Breach Nic’s Interim President Committed To Students, Quality Programs

Most of the ivy Ronald E. Bell will find in Kootenai County is of the poison variety.

But that isn’t stopping the 58-year-old retired community college president from holding North Idaho College up to the highest scholarly standard.

“I see NIC as the little Harvard of northern Idaho,” Bell said in a recent interview.

It’s a campus where students’ needs come first, where quality teaching takes precedence over research, Bell said, and small class sizes are protected.

“There are a lot of folks that think of two-year schools as substandard or second-rate. That’s unfortunate, because they don’t realize what a fine start it is for so many students.”

Bell, president of Seattle’s Shoreline Community College for 13 years, is interrupting his retirement to serve as NIC’s interim president in the wake of Robert Bennett’s forced resignation.

At his first public appearance at the ceremonial signing of a proposed agreement between NIC and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe last week, Bell acknowledged he’s coming onto a campus steeped in turmoil over the past few months.

“I know there’s been some pain that’s occurred and there’s a healing process we have to go through,” he said. “… but we must make sure the students are protected and the programs are quality.”

Bell later added that he doesn’t feel compelled to respond to Bennett’s critics on campus.

“I have nothing but respect for the guy and the community apparently did too, but it’s over now so let’s get on with it,” Bell said.

“I was very impressed with what I heard from tribal members about putting our anger behind us and creating an environment where happiness is paramount.”

Bell holds a mathematics degree from Ohio University and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Washington.

Bell plans to teach a math class at NIC, which likely will endear him to faculty. But he’s also making it clear he’s not afraid to make the tough calls, despite his temporary post.

“I’ve got people pounding on my door to see me, and I’m going to listen, listen, listen,” Bell said. “I believe you should involve everyone who is going to be affected by a decision, but not lead people to believe that everything is going to be reached by consensus.”

“To say, well, let’s just shelve it away because I’m going to be here only five or six months? I’m not going to do that. I listen, we consult, but there will be decisions.”

Bell began working for Shoreline in 1964 as an associate professor and climbed the academic ranks to president. He also served for two years as the associate executive director for the Washington community college state board. He retired from the presidency in 1995. He’s since worked as the arts education director at Seattle’s Paramount Theater, served on the board of trustees for Group Health of Puget Sound, and done consulting in retirement planning and higher education.

Last week, Bell and the trustees initiated a $30,000 search for a new president to be led by a committee of 37 members of the community, including business leaders, arts volunteers, faculty and public school officials.

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