Two Appointed to New BCC Leadership Posts

June 21, 2012 - A highly experienced educator who has served in senior leadership roles and an expert in information technology have been appointed to new posts at Brevard Community College to help it meet future goals.

Dr. Linda Miedema, who has been serving as Vice President for Planning and Assessment since earlier this year, has been named Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Learning Officer.

Betsy Wetzel, who had been BCC’s Executive Director for Information Technology, was promoted to Associate Vice President for Information Technology.

The appointments were announced June 21 by BCC President, Dr. Jim Richey, who said the two are uniquely qualified to work with faculty and staff to move the College forward.

“Both are outstanding individuals who have strong records of success at the College,” said Richey. “Their dedication and knowledge will be invaluable as we build on our reputation as one of the best community colleges in the nation.”

Recruited by the College in 2001 as Assistant Professor of Nursing, Dr. Miedema also has served as Interim Vice President for Planning and Assessment and as a Dean and Provost of the Titusville Campus.

Before joining the college, she served as a registered nurse and hospital administrator in Florida and Michigan.

Dr. Miedema assumes her new position following a nationwide search for a Chief Learning Officer for the College, during which her qualifications and experience stood out.

She will report directly to the President, and will work with the faculty and administration to advance academic programs, including new four-year and two-year degree and certificate programs that will begin in 2013.

To that end, she will play a central role as BCC moves to become a state college next year.

Dr. Miedema will also oversee curriculum revisions to academic programs and promote shared governance with faculty to ensure their strong voice in the College.

Dr. Miedema earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from North Michigan University, a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from Madonna University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership for Higher Education from Capella University.

“Our move to four-year degrees is a historic step for BCC, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the College’s faculty and staff to enhance the learning outcomes for all of our students,” Dr. Miedema said.

Wetzel began her BCC career in 1992 as a personnel specialist and moved into information technology in 1997 as a data base specialist.

She went on to serve in several positions, including computer programmer and Information Systems Director, before she was named Executive Director in 2008. She also received the College’s VIP Award in 2003 that recognizes exemplary employees.

Wetzel has played a leading role in improving the College’s computer programming systems, information technology infrastructure and telephone systems. Her efforts were also essential in launching BCC’s new Website. She will continue to focus on those and other areas and will report to Richard Laird, Vice President for Finance and Technical Services.

She earned her A.A. Degree from BCC and an A.S. Degree from St. Johns River State College. She also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology from the University of Central Florida, and a Master’s of Information Systems Degree from the University of Phoenix.

“It’s an honor to lead the College’s information technology efforts, which are growing in importance every day,” Wetzel said. “The department has a great team of professionals, and I’m fortunate to work with them.”