In a surprise move, the contract of Highline Community College President Dr. Priscilla Bell was terminated by the college board of trustees Nov. 16.

Board Chairwoman Dr. Elizabeth Chen said in a prepared statement that the decision was based on philosophical differences.

"This was a very difficult decision for the board," she said, adding that the board "appreciates Dr. Bell's contributions to Highline these past six years."

Dr. Jack Bermingham was appointed Interim President.

Bermingham has served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Highline for the past 14 years.

The Board of Trustees wants to express their continued support to the faculty, staff, and students, and for the on-going programs and activities on campus and in the greater community," Chen added.

Neither Chen nor Bell could be reached for comment late last week.

Bell was appointed president of Highline Community College in April 2000. At the time, she was president of Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, N.Y., a position she had held since 1995.

Bell succeeded Dr. Ed Command, who served as president of Highline from 1990 to 2000.

Bermingham was a finalist to become president when Bell was selected.

He holds a doctorate in history from the University of California, Santa Barbara as well as a master's degree in history and a bachelor's degree in history and political science.

Bermingham was dean of social sciences from 1991 to 1994, acting director of legal studies in 1993-94 and associate professor of history from 1983 to 1994 at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma.

During her tenure at Highline, Bell was elected or appointed to several leadership positions within higher education associations and economic and other community organizations.

She served a three-year term on the board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges,

Bell also served on the board of directors of the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County.