Dr. David Woodall was unanimously chosen as the finalist for Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) president by the college’s board of trustees at its Oct. 10 meeting.

Dr. Woodall’s selection as the finalist nearly completes a year-long process which involved participation from college students, employees and community members.

“Throughout the selection process, the board gathered input from the college and surrounding community regarding the qualities they sought in the college’s president,” said Bruce J. Reid, chair of the LWIT Board of Trustees. “The board believes Dr. Woodall embodies those qualities expressed by the community and his qualifications fit with both the school’s mission and the board’s vision.”

“This is a wonderful college with a fantastic future and I’m pleased to be selected as a candidate to lead the institute,” Dr. Woodall said. “The next five years are critical for both the state and region. While there are funding challenges today, our region is growing and there is a strong demand for a technologically skilled workforce. LWIT provides an impressive range of cutting-edge technology training. We must remain agile and prepared to meet specific and general workforce demand as the economy grows.”

Dr. Woodall has served as the college’s interim president since January 2011, when Dr. Sharon McGavick retired.

Prior to coming to the LWIT, Dr. Woodall served in a number of senior leadership positions at the Oregon Institute of Technology including interim president.

Dr. Woodall has also served in teaching and leadership positions in the engineering and mathematics programs at the University of Alaska – Fairbanks, the University of Idaho, and the University of New Mexico.

Dr. Woodall has a doctorate in Applied Physics from Cornell University, and a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Columbia University.

The final step toward approving the presidential candidate includes gathering input from students, staff and the community.

The board will hold public forums from 12-1:30 p.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the college’s West Building, Room W404.

These forums are open to anyone interested in learning more about Dr. Woodall and offers the opportunity to pose questions.

The board hopes to review input and finalize the selection process no later than November 2011.