MCC president to retire

The president of McHenry County College announced Monday evening that she will retire at the end of this year.

Dr. Vicky Smith, who began as president in August 2010, will retire Dec. 31, she told the board of trustees.

"It is with mixed emotions that I made this decision," Smith said in a statement. "I am very proud of where McHenry County College is today. Because of our progress, I feel that this is a good time to enter into retirement, and accomplish some other, personal goals that I have for myself."

During her tenure, she's credited with developing a five-year strategic plan and formalizing other planning efforts. She led efforts to increase the number of students who graduate with a degree or certificate, as well as improved the time to complete a degree.

Signs of her leadership include MCC's status as an Aspen Award Top 150 community college. The college also ranks fourth in the state among all community colleges for student success.​