RAYMOND — The Hinds Community College Board of Trustees has opened a search for a new president with the goal of naming a leader by the end of April with an official start date of July 1.

“I believe that the most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees is the naming of a president of Hinds Community College. We recognize the importance of choosing the right leader,” said Paul Breazeale, president of the Hinds Community College Board of Trustees.

The school’s next president will follow the iconic Dr. Clyde Muse, college president since July 1, 1978, who recently announced his planned retirement for June 30. A committee of the 14-member Board of Trustees is leading the search for a new president.

“It will be our goal to select someone who has the ability to appreciate the history of our college and energize the vision to continue moving us forward,” Breazeale said. “Hinds is a complex organization with many facets, which requires someone with the right experience, drive, passion and a commitment to excellence.”

Vicksburg Warren School District Chad Shealy and former superintendent Donald Oakes are two members of the college’s Board of Trustees.

The target date for applications is Feb. 20, but the application portal will remain open until the position is filled.

The Hinds Community College website also includes the presidential profile created in conjunction with the Association of Community College Trustees through forums with college employees, students and the community.

Hinds Community College is the largest of the 15 community colleges in the state of Mississippi with about 29,000 credit and noncredit students annually. Hinds has six locations — including a campus in Vicksburg — and covers five counties in central Mississippi in the metro Jackson area.