Friday, December 18, 2015

McHenry County College Board Selects Next College President

The McHenry County College Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the approval of an agreement with Dr. Clinton E. Gabbard to serve as the College’s eighth president.


After a thorough, five-month presidential search process, Dr. Gabbard was one of four final presidential candidates selected by MCC’s presidential search committee, facilitated by national executive search firm, R.H. Perry & Associates. The Board selected Gabbard as the College’s new president due to his alignment with MCC’s mission, his commitment to community collaboration, his ability to develop relationships both internally and externally, and his ability to move initiatives forward, always with a continuous focus on learning and student success in mind.

The Board is eager to begin working with Dr. Gabbard,” said Board Chair Mike Smith. “He brings a new perspective to the College, and a balance of experience in both teaching and administration. With his extensive knowledge in strategic planning, community-based initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, Dr. Gabbard will undoubtedly move the institution forward.” 

Dr. Gabbard’s most recent role was the Vice President of Student Services at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, MI. During his years there, he provided the strategic vision and administrative leadership to numerous departments, including Admissions/Recruiting, Advising, Registrar, Athletics, Financial Aid, Early College, Student Life, Student Outreach and Support Services, Career and Transfer Center, and the Start-to-Finish Program. He also was responsible for the development and implementation of a $3 million annual budget with leadership responsibilities for 56 employees. Among Dr. Gabbard’s multiple accomplishments at Lake Michigan College were the design and execution of an intensive ‘Start-to-Finish’ student success program; the development of a new leadership and college involvement plan for the Student Success Council and its framework for a Title III proposal; and the development of key planning for two critical students spaces at the institution—a student activity center and a center for veterans. 

Previous roles include Vice President of Student Services for Walla Walla Community College, Director of Counseling and Psych Services at Purdue University, and Psychologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at University of Notre Dame. He also co-founded TrestleTree Inc., a private sector behavioral health service for employers. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel College. 

For Dr. Gabbard, the decision to come to McHenry County College was a simple one. “I am humbled and excited to accept this role at MCC. The College’s value of community aligns with my deeply-held belief that colleges are only as strong as their commitment to working together and to being an effective partner with the local community,” Gabbard stated.

He has also expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to lead the College into the future. “I am thrilled to work alongside the great faculty, staff, administrators, students, and Board members who all share a deep love for the communities that the College serves.” 

When he begins his new role with the College, he will focus much of his efforts on working with the Board to continue the strategic direction that has been set. He also plans to devote significant effort to listening to the College’s stakeholders. “I want to really understand what the strengths and the issues are—from the trustees, from the employees, from the students, and from the community.” 

 On behalf of McHenry County College, the Board of Trustees would like to express their sincere appreciation to every individual who served on the Presidential Search Committee, for their dedication and time throughout the process, as well as to all students, community members, and employees who participated in finalist sessions. “The Board is confident that Dr. Gabbard will lead McHenry County College on a path of continued student success, innovation, and fiscal responsibility,” said Chair Smith.“We have a profoundly serious role in making an economic impact on our region by helping improve the lives of our citizens through the hope of education and training,” Gabbard explained. “Students at McHenry County College are seizing a great opportunity with their education, and that will surely inspire me to provide collaborative leadership on their behalf.” 

Dr. Gabbard is scheduled to begin his role as MCC president on Monday, January 11, 2016. Upon his arrival at the College, various opportunities will be made available to meet and talk with him, as well as a formal meeting with the press.  

For a complete overview on Dr. Gabbard, including the presidential employment agreement, please visit http://www.mchenry.edu/presidentialsearch.

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