MCC board selects new college president
Clinton Gabbard, vice president of student services at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan, has been tapped as McHenry County College's next president.
The college board Thursday night approved a two-year contract with Gabbard, who was selected from among three finalists gleaned from an initial pool of 66 candidates after a nationwide search. He will receive an annual salary of $215,000.
Gabbard replaces President Vicky Smith, who retires Dec. 31 after serving five years with the college.
"The board is eager to begin working with Dr. Gabbard," board Chairman Mike Smith said in news release. "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."
Each year Gabbard's contract is renewed after Jan. 1, 2017, his salary would increase by an amount equal to the percent increase in the Consumer Price Index plus an extra 3 percent, with annual increases capped at 6 percent per the provisions of the State Universities Retirement System. Pension benefits of up to $18,000 and full coverage of medical health insurance premiums for Gabbard, his wife and any eligible dependents are additional compensation. He also will get a $500 vehicle allowance, and the college will pay for his move to McHenry County.
Gabbard previously served as vice president of student services for Washington-based Walla Walla Community College, director of counseling and psych services at Purdue University and psychologist and adjunct assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame, both in Indiana. He co-founded TrestleTree Inc., a private-sector behavior health service for employers, and served as director of the Family Life Center.
He has a doctorate in counseling psychology, a master of arts degree in counseling psychology from Notre Dame, and a bachelor of science degree in psychology and religious studies from Evangel College.
"McHenry County College's valuing of 'community' aligns with my deeply held belief that colleges are only as strong as their commitment to working together and to being a strong collaborative partner with the local community," Gabbard said. "Internally, I have successfully bridged departments across the college, beginning new student success initiatives that have necessitated academics, IT, and student services moving in chorus."
Gabbard also has served as an executive officer in the local United Way, as director of the Walla Walla Blue Mountain Action Council Board - a nonprofit organization addressing hunger and homelessness - and as an education leader in Michigan's Great Southwest community strategic planning initiative, according to his biography on MCC's website.