The Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees has selected Morgan Phillips to serve as interim president of the college, Board Chairperson Jason Tadlock announced today.

Phillips will succeed Ritu Raju, who recently accepted a position at a Minnesota college.

He will officially begin his role as interim president on July 1.

Phillips most recently served as vice chancellor for Academic Excellence at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz., a position he’s held since 2020. Prior to that, he served as campus president for Pima Community College and as vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville, N.C., among other roles.

“Dr. Phillip’s vast experience in technical education will serve the college well over the next year,” said Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees Chairman Jason Tadlock. “We realize the importance of the role as president of America’s first publicly funded technical college and feel it is in good hands with Dr. Phillips.”

“I am deeply honored by the board’s confidence in selecting me to serve as Gateway Technical College’s interim president,” said Phillips. “Thank you for this opportunity to partner with our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.

“Together, we will build on Gateway’s rich tradition of hands-on, industry-aligned learning, support the initiatives already in progress, and begin development of new structures to strengthen the regional workforce and every learner we serve.”

Tadlock said the Board will soon begin the national search process for identifying a permanent president.