Dr. Bryan Renfro, president of John Wood Community College, has been selected as the next chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. His last day at JWCC is planned for June 30.
Renfro began his tenure as JWCC’s seventh president on Jan. 4, 2023, succeeding Michael Elbe, who retired on Dec. 31, 2022, after serving in the role for eight years.
As chancellor of EICC, Renfro will oversee Clinton, Muscatine and Scott community colleges, which serve multiple counties in southeastern Iowa.
During his tenure, Renfro has advanced national initiatives including Guided Pathways, Caring Campus and the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME). JWCC’s enrollment and retention have increased as faculty and staff intensified efforts to remove barriers for students pursuing career and transfer pathways. These initiatives, along with a renewed focus on student experience, are key components of the college’s strategic plan and have strengthened its impact on students, the workforce and the community.
“The JWCC Board of Trustees is extremely grateful for Dr. Renfro’s service,” Bob Rhea, chair of JWCC’s board of trustees, said. “His visionary leadership has positioned the college for continued success and raised its status both regionally and nationally. JWCC has benefited from his energy, passion and experience, and we absolutely wish him the best in this new endeavor.”
Rhea expressed confidence in JWCC’s leadership team to maintain the college’s positive trajectory during the presidential transition. The board of trustees will meet within the next 15 days to determine next steps, which may include appointing an interim president and establishing a search process.
“The selection, support and success of the president is one of the most important responsibilities of the board,” Rhea said. “We have a strong leadership team in place that is highly capable of directing the college as we thoughtfully consider the best approach to identify JWCC’s next leader. Our priority remains supporting our students, faculty and the broader community while building on the momentum Dr. Renfro helped create.”
Before joining JWCC, Renfro held leadership roles at Paris Junior College, Tyler Junior College and Hawkeye Community College. He has taught courses in anthropology, criminal justice and education. Renfro earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Iowa State University with an emphasis in community college leadership, a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Tennessee.
