Dr. Jimmie Bruce is an experienced leader with over 33-years of exceptional work as a faculty member and senior-level administrator in higher education community colleges. His background includes college enrollment management and distance learning. Dr. Bruce has demonstrated continuous success in improving student success and increasing college enrollment. A highly dedicated individual and a proven leader with documented success in progressively dynamic and challenging positions. Further evidence in support of this is measured by key performance indicators. Currently he is working as an adjunct professor at Pace University in the Masters of Higher Education and Student Affairs program. Additionally, he teaches communication for Ranger College in Texas.
President of Eastern Gateway College
Dr. Jimmie Bruce is the former President of Eastern Gateway Community College, in Youngstown, Ohio. During his tenure as president from 2015 thru 2020, he increased college enrollment rates by 800 percent. At his departure student enrollment was approx. 28,000. Having established himself as a leader in the community, it allowed him to bring new programs and services to community colleges. Some examples of the new programs created are CDL Trucking School, regional workforce center, manufacturing programs. In addition to onsite programs, he collaborated with public unions to create online program for enrolled students.
Previous Work Experience
Prior to Eastern Gateway College, Dr. Bruce served as VP of Academic Success at Northwest Vista College in San Antonio, Texas, from 2006 to 2015. Equally important, was his role as Chief Student Affairs Officer at Northwest Vista. In this position he demonstrated exceptional knowledge of recruitment principles and procedures. Additionally he served as a tenured faculty member for 13 years at Elizabethtown Community College.
Education
Dr. Bruce earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He also holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University.
During his 33 years in higher education, he has served on various boards and councils the Rotary Club of San Antonio and Steubenville, the Mahoning Valley Manufacturer’s Coalition, and the Chamber of Commerce in Youngstown, OH. Furthermore, he has been active with the United Way in every community where he has lived.
Jimmie Bruce lives in Youngstown, OH with his wife Cindi and their beloved Pomeranian, Ellie. He enjoys reading, golfing, and picking his guitar. If you are interested in learning more about my background and tips on how to navigate this vastly expanding field, return for frequent updates.