Davie County Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Hartness is a final candidate for the presidency of Davidson County Community College.

The college board of trustees announced that Hartness, along with Dr. Peter Konwerski, Dr. Lisa Rhine and Dr. Janet Spriggs are the four finalists, with the new president to be announced in October. They will replace Dr. Mary Rittling, who is retiring at the end of the year.

The college received 94 applications.

“The number of applicants who responded  to become the fourth DCCC president speaks well of the reputation the college enjoys across the nation,” said Ken White, chair of the trustee board. “The search committee has diligently worked to narrow the field to a strong group of finalists.”

Hartness has been Davie  superintendent for the past seven years, and has experience in four other public school systems as superintendent, assistant superintendent and principal. He is the only candidate without experience in college or community college settings.

All candidates will visit the campuses this month and be interviewed by a search committee.

The final decision must be affirmed by the State Board of Community Colleges.