Blow is interim president at ASCC

Outgoing ASCC President John Johnson, left, introduces new interim president, William Blow. Photo courtesy of The Monroe Journal Dr. William "Bill" Blow of Prattville has returned to Monroeville to temporarily take over the reigns of Alabama Southern Community College.

Blow, a former dean at the college, officially became ASCC's interim president July 1. He is replacing Dr. John Johnson, who retired June 30 after a successful 20-year stint.

Blow, who has been retired the last five years, said he agreed to accept the position until the Alabama State Department of Education can conduct a search for a permanent president.

"Whether I'm here three weeks, three months or a year, doesn't matter," he said. "I will run the college as a president should during my time there."

Blow said the college is in great shape and he did not anticipate having to make changes, but there is always room for improvement. He said Johnson and his staff have done an admirable job at ASCC to make it one of the nation's top community colleges.

"A search for a permanent replacement for John- son will be initiated after the new chancellor comes aboard," said Joan Davis, interim chancellor of the state's two-year college system. "Dr. Blow graciously agreed to come out of retirement as a longtime education administrator to lead Alabama Southern."

Dr. Doug Littles, president of Reid State Technical College in Evergreen, was originally chosen to serve as ASCC's interim president by Bradley Byrne, former chancellor of the community college system. Byrne recently resigned as chancellor to run for governor.

Since Byrne's proposed merger of Reid State with ASCC has been put on hold, a new interim was named because Littles could not serve as president of RSTC and ASCC.

Blow formerly served as dean of instruction at Patrick Henry Junior College before it became Alabama Southern. More recently, he served in leadership positions at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE), including two stints as interim executive director.

Alabama Southern is based in Monroeville but has campuses in Thomasville, Gilbertown, Demopolis and Jackson.