Madison Reporter

The Madison College District Board of Trustees has announced the final candidates in its search for a new president to succeed Dr. Jack E. Daniels III, who will retire in January. The board selected Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi and Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper as the finalists.

Dr. Carlos O. Cortez, previously a candidate, has withdrawn from the process. The remaining candidates were chosen following a nationwide search conducted by Gold Hill Associates and were recommended to the board after interviews with the college’s search committee.

Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi currently serves as vice chancellor of instructional innovation and digital strategy at Houston Community College System and was formerly president of Central College within the same system. He holds several degrees including a Doctor of Education in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper most recently served as chancellor for Ivy Tech Community College’s South Bend-Elkhart campus, having also been president of Contra Costa College in California and provost at Inver Hills Community College. Her qualifications include a Doctor of Education in Counseling and Adult Higher Education.

Donald D. Dantzler, Jr., Chair of the Madison College District Board of Trustees, expressed optimism about the candidates: “We are fortunate to have exceptional candidates vying to become Madison College's next president,” he said, emphasizing confidence in their leadership abilities.

Candidates will engage with the community through open forums scheduled for October 16 and October 21, allowing input from stakeholders before the board makes its decision later this year.

President Daniels is set to retire after over 11 years at Madison College.