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She will be taking over a college that is facing several challenges including declining enrollment and a potential $4.7 million budget shortfall.

“The College is facing a few challenges, but nothing that I don’t think that we can work together to do good things here at Hocking College. This is a great college,” said Young following her appointment.

On the selection of Young, Chairman of the Board Andy Stone stated following the appointment, “We felt we needed a fresh set of eyes from the outside that could come in and look at our situation and assist us with this period. We looked at several candidates and Dr. Young rose to the top.”

In a press release provided by the college, Stone added, “Working with the Association of Community College Trustees, we considered four highly-qualified candidates who were immediately available to step into the role of interim president. The choice was extremely difficult, but after our own analysis and input from the college community we are thrilled to select Dr. Young. We believe she has the skills necessary to lead us through this period of transition and set Hocking College on the path to a bright future.”

Young has previously served as president of three different two-year colleges, most recently at Houston Community College Coleman College for Health Sciences.

“I’m originally from Southern Ohio, here just a few miles over toward Marietta, and so it’s great to be back in the area and to have the opportunity to help this college to be sure that it’s going to be available to people exactly like me. You know if it weren’t for the local technical college I wouldn’t be here today with you doing this,” said Young.

Young started college at age 28, as an adult student, earning an associate degree. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in accounting/management from Ohio University as well as her master’s degree in higher education and Ph.D in higher education leadership from the university. She also earned her Juris Doctor and her advanced degree in business law from Capital University law school.

Attributing her success to her background at a community college, Young stated in a news release, “As a product of a community college, and a first generation college graduate, I am committed to ensuing that more people have the same opportunity. In my role as the interim president of Hocking College, I am looking forward to furthering the college’s mission of providing an innovative and quality education, while continuing to build a strong foundation for future students.”

According to the release, Young is known as an innovator in higher education, having led colleges to enrollment growth through both retention and new programing. She also has an emphasis on outreach and marketing as well as extensive experience with workforce development.

The agreement states that the college is to pay a prorated annual salary of $150,000, for a monthly salary of $12,500 to the Young while she is under contract with the college. Additionally, the College is to provide housing within 20 miles of the college’s main campus; a $3,000 one-time lump sum payment for shipping of household items and two trips to her home from Nelsonville; mileage expenses when traveling in her personal vehicle; a smartphone and hotspot for work and business communication; and reasonable travel expenses.

The initial agreement is for a period of up to six months, but may be extended on a month-to-month basis as agreed to by the parties.

Myriah Davis had been serving as the college’s interim president since the resignation of Erickson. Davis is the college’s vice president of administrative services.