Brainard named president of Delaware Tech

 (photo courtesy Del. Tech)

(photo courtesy Del. Tech)

Mark Brainard will take the helm at Delaware Tech after the school’s first choice for new leader decided not to take the job.

It’s proven a bit more difficult than you might expect to replace former president Dr. Orlando George, who retired after 19 years.

Last month, Dr. Murray Hoy was selected for the top job at Delaware Technical and Community College. But shortly after school leaders announced the hiring, Hoy had a change of heart and decided to decline the position. That led the school’s selection committee to turn to Del. Tech’s Executive Vice President Mark Brainard.

“As a graduate of Delaware Tech, Mark brings an inherent understanding of and commitment to the mission of the college,” said Mark Stellini, chair of the Board of Trustees. “His breadth and depth of diverse, professional experience, along with his strong relationships with college stakeholders throughout Delaware, will serve him and the college extremely well.”

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Brainard served as chief of staff for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner before returning to Delaware Tech in 2008. Brainard earned an associates degree in criminal justice from the school in 1981.

“As president, I will apply my experience, knowledge, leadership and commitment to this institution to ensure that future students receive the same opportunities that I did when I graduated from Delaware Tech,” Brainard said. “I look forward to assuming the position of president, supporting our students, and serving this college that has done so much for me over the years.” 

Earlier this year, Brainard was featured in WHYY’s First Extra: Higher Education. You can watch that program at WHYY.org/First.

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