Winsted’s Northwestern Connecticut Community College has named Michael Rooke as its next president.
Rooke is currently dean of academic affairs at Tunxis Community College where he has served as chief academic officer since 2009. He was previously academic division advisor for the Center for Business & Technologies at Manchester Community College from 2006-2009.
The selection was made after the consideration of 47 applicants for the position. Rooke will succeed Barbara Douglass who announced her retirement effective Oct. 1. His first day on the job is Nov. 27.
Rooke’s selection was based on his diverse experience, collaborative leadership style, passion for community colleges, and commitment to providing a high-quality education to the students of the northwest region, said Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU). Rooke also has a strong leadership background in campus initiatives, program development and fundraising, Ojakian said.
