Caption: JWCC’s eighth president Dr. Aron Potter with current interim president Josh Welker.
The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Aron Potter as the College’s eighth president at a January 7 special board meeting. Potter plans to start her new position on March 2, 2026. She will succeed Josh Welker, who was appointed JWCC’s interim president in July 2025 following the departure of Dr. Bryan Renfro who led the College from 2023 to 2025.
JWCC Board of Trustees Chair Bob Rhea said, “We are proud to welcome Dr. Potter back to the region she calls home and look forward to collaborating with her as the College’s new leader. Selecting a president is the Board’s most important job and we feel that Aron is ready to authentically serve our students and communities with foresight, fortitude, and heart.”
Potter’s selection comes after a comprehensive national search that involved campus and community participation. The process was led by the Pauly Group, a national search firm with more than 30 years of experience in academic and executive leadership placement and a 12-member Selection Advisory Committee co-chaired by JWCC Trustees Paula Hawley-Sargent and Andy Sprague.
Rhea expressed gratitude for the many stakeholders who invested time, expertise, and experience in the presidential search process. “We are grateful to Paula Hawley and Andy Sprague for co-chairing the effort on the Board’s behalf, to the Pauly Group for conducting our search, to the Selection Advisory Committee for their commitment to identifying the best leader for JWCC, and to our faculty, staff, and students who thoughtfully shared their feedback in this process.”
Dr. Potter was present for the Board’s unanimous vote and shared her gratitude for the honor of becoming JWCC’s eighth president.
“I am humbled and grateful for the Board’s belief in me to lead John Wood Community College,” Potter shared. “Returning to this area means I have the amazing opportunity to give back to the people and communities who invested in me as a person and professional. I look forward to meeting with our students, faculty, staff, partners, community members, and businesses to listen to their needs and find ways to build on JWCC’s success to drive the College forward.”
JWCC’s eighth president has devoted her career to higher education and has served as an instructor at the high school, community college, and four-year university level. For the last 10 years Potter served as Vice President for Academic Services at Coffeyville Community College based in rural southeast Kansas. She sees connections between Coffeyville and JWCC’s service area.
“I grew up on a farm near Vandalia, Missouri, and that community is much like Coffeyville and John Wood’s district, “Potter said. “It is made up of hard-working people who want common sense leaders who care. I’m one of those leaders and will build a team to help our students find their path to a promising career whether it is through the trades or a four-year degree.”
In addition to connecting with the community and students to grow and enhance the workforce, Potter also shared that JWCC’s two-time Aspen Institute recognition as a top community college and the College’s Guided Pathways work is something she is excited to build upon.
“Aspen Institute Recognition is a clear indicator that faculty and staff are dedicated to the many aspects of the student learning experience,” Potter shared. “My aim is to bring my experience and work ethic to support the College’s momentum and together with our team, take things to the next level.”
Dr. Potter has served as the Vice President for Academic Services at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kansas since 2015. In that role she coordinates all aspects of accreditation, evaluates academic programs, and oversees the operations of multiple support services including institutional effectiveness, library, advising, counseling, financial aid, admissions, concurrent/dual enrollment, student success center, recruiting and fine arts. Additionally, Potter is a member of the President’s leadership team and contributes to the development of college operational policies, budget and strategic planning.
Previously, Potter worked at Culver-Stockton College as a professor and coach for five years. She has also served as an instructor for University of Central Missouri, Missouri Sothern State University. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from North Central University, holds a master’s degree in physical education, exercise, and sport science from the University of Central Missouri and bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton College.
Active professionally, Potter has made numerous professional presentations at the regional and national level, is a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, and is a member of the Kansas Council of Instructional Administrators, Council on Accreditation for Two-Year Colleges, and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development among many other professional organizations.
