By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Sept. 8, 2001
Scott Elliott will stay.
The president of Meridian Community College said Friday he withdrew from consideration for the top job at Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla.; Elliott was among five finalists for president of the college.
Elliott and the other four finalists for Santa Fe president were culled from a field of 38 original applicants. The new president will replace retiring Santa Fe President Lawrence W. Tyree and oversee a campus with more than 13,000 students.
Larry Keen, associate vice president of public information at Santa Fe, said the community college's board of trustees was disappointed by Elliott's decision because members were impressed with his experience.
Tommy Dulaney, chairman of MCC's board of trustees, said board members are pleased that Elliott is staying. Said Dulaney: "I think we'd have a hard time finding a replacement of his caliber."
One reason Elliott chose to withdraw from consideration at Santa Fe is one of same reasons he considered the position in the first place: his family.
Elliott considered the Florida job because his daughter, grandchild, parents and in-laws live in the state. But moving to Florida would have left behind Elliott's son, the starting quarterback at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba.
Elliott also said the ability of his colleagues at MCC weighed heavily in his decision to remain in Meridian. Said Elliott: "I knew I would never work with a finer group of people anywhere in America."
Elliott said people in Meridian have called him and e-mailed him during the past week, urging him to stay at MCC. Elliott has been MCC president since 1998.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.