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.
