MCC Interim President Accepts Position of Provost of Osceola Campus of Valencia Community College

    McHenry County College wishes to announce that Kathleen Plinske, interim president, will be leaving the College after accepting the position of provost of the Osceola Campus at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. As provost, she will act as chief academic and operating officer of the campus, responsible for providing academic, administrative and fiscal leadership.
    It is with mixed emotions that I share this news,” Plinske said on Monday. “It will be difficult to leave MCC; it has been an honor to work here and a true privilege to serve as president,” she added.
    Prior to being appointed interim president, Plinske’s positions at MCC included associate vice president for institutional effectiveness, coordinator of media development and technology training, instructional media specialist, and instructor of Spanish. She has contributed much to the institution over the past nine years, as evident through her leadership role on assessment, the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as part of the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), and spearheading the development of a strategic plan focused on a commitment to continuous improvement, accountability for student success and academic excellence, and environmental stewardship. In addition to her many contributions, Plinske was recently named one of 24 Emerging Leaders in the world by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International, a global association of education professionals.
    The College will miss Dr. Plinske,” said vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, Tony Miksa. “She has an incredible work ethic and truly wants what is best for the College,” he continued. “I personally can’t thank her enough for sharing her knowledge of the institution, which helped me immensely during my first year.”
    While serving as interim president at MCC, one of Plinske’s main responsibilities has been to maintain strong communication with the Board of Trustees. Chairman George Lowe shared his feelings on Plinske’s departure: “I’m going to miss her. I think she has been the most open and the most energetic president I have had the privilege of serving with. I wish her well in her new endeavor.” Lowe added, “Valencia’s gain is our loss.”
    Plinske’s last day with the College will be June 30. Final interviews are being held for the new, permanent president of MCC, which are scheduled to conclude this month. A final decision about who will be the president on July 1 has not yet been made.
    While I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Valencia Community College,” said Plinske, “I also have been blessed to have had such an opportunity in my hometown doing work that I love at MCC.”