Ann D. Bieber has been chosen as the new president of Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Bieber, who has been serving as interim president, was named May 26 during a press conference at the Schnecksville campus.

Her position, which will be formally approved June 5, is effective July 1.

Bieber is replacing Donald W. Snyder, who has retired.

After 48 years with only four presidents serving the college, Bieber is fifth in the line.

"Dr. Bieber's expertise in administration, in higher education and her student-centric approach to leadership will help guide Lehigh Carbon Community College to new levels of academic success," Kenneth D. Mohr Jr., chairman of the board of trustees, said.

The search for a new president began in December with an appointment of members of the presidential search committee. "We have selected the finest of those candidates to lead our school," Mohr said.

According to Audrey Larvey, member of the board of trustees, the process was "extremely time-consuming."

After choosing Florida-based Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc. as a search firm, a job description was made and applied to candidates across the country.

Fifteen well-credentialed leaders were interviewed over Skype, then narrowed down to four candidates to be interviewed in person.

The other finalists were: Joyce Ester, former president of Kennedy-King College, City Colleges of Chicago; Doreen Larson, president, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Fairmont, W.Va., and James Moran III, former vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for the Pennsylvania System of Higher Education.

"We wanted everyone's input," Larvey said. "We wanted to encourage participation."

According to its mission statement, LCCC serves the community by providing high quality education that is affordable and accessible.

"We want to ensure that mission of the college is effectively transmitted," Mohr said.

Bieber received her bachelor's degree from Cedar Crest College, her master's from Kutztown University, and her doctorate from Capella University.

She is a Lehigh Valley native and now lives in Orefield with her husband and two children.

Bieber was the senior vice president for administrative services for 10 years and began the development of "Many Voices, One Vision: LCCC 2014-2017," a three-year strategic plan. She has also made partnerships with over 60 businesses and has focused on the college's funds, securing over $11 million that will go toward scholarships and grants.

"Our plan emphasizes that our students must be the basis for all that we do," Bieber said.

As president, she will focus on observing the college's academic guidance, managing its $35 million budget, managing outreach to stakeholders and leaders, and sustaining a positive environment for both students and staff.

LCCC's main campus is in Schnecksville with sites in Tamaqua, Jim Thorpe, Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

"The present is our platform for the future," Bieber said.

She concluded her acceptance with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail."