The search for Beaufort County Community College’s next president continues.

At a Tuesday Board of Trustees meeting, board members discussed a timeline for hiring someone in the position. The application period opened Oct. 1.

Attila Nemecz, manager of public relations at BCCC, said the college has received some applications, although he didn’t know the exact number.

The BCCC website also lists a slew of characteristics the board is seeking in its new president: strong communication skills; a show of high integrity; a strong leader accessible to faculty and students; ability to collaborate; has creative and visionary ideas; recognizes the importance of technology; has ability to resolve conflicts; recognizes the importance of innovation and economic development in the surrounding area; has the skills to maintain good community relations and represents the college well; has ability to oversee financial aspects and the college’s resources; shows knowledge of laws and regulations; understands the board-president relationship.

Nemecz said a survey has also been sent out to BCCC staff and other partners within the community, asking for qualities they desire in the president position.

Board chairman Laura Staton said the board also set a tentative timeline for hiring someone. Applications must be turned in by 3 p.m. Nov. 30, and the college hopes to announce the new hire by May 1, 2017, according to Staton.

The Board of Trustees has lined up a screening committee to review the candidates.

Current President Dr. Barbara Tansey announced her retirement, effective May 31, 2017, in early August, citing personal reasons. Tansey came to BCCC in 2012 and is the fifth president in the college’s 50-year history. She said she will continue to be an active leader during her last months.

“We have been lucky to have her as a leader and an advocate. It will be hard for us to find someone as dedicated and forward-thinking,” Staton stated after the announcement was made.

In other news, the Board of Trustees also approved a 1.5-percent salary increase for state employees and a 1.5-percent bonus for those employees, as mandated by the North Carolina General Assembly.

The board also approved using Akademos, an online bookstore for BCCC students.

For more information about the BCCC president selection, visit www.beaufortccc.edu/presidential-search.