MCC board extends president's contract for additional year
At the November regular board meeting, the McHenry County College Board of Trustees approved a fifth contract extension for MCC President Clinton Gabbard, Ph.D., extending it an additional year through Dec. 31, 2025.
Board chair Mary Beth Siddons commented on the board's strong support for Dr. Gabbard's leadership.
"We are so pleased to extend Dr. Gabbard's contract once again," Siddons stated in a news release. "Over the past year, he has continued to exceed the board's expectations, evident through his leadership, collaboration, and vision for the college.
"We have complete confidence in his ability to continue leading McHenry County College through his compassion for students and his ability to inspire innovative ideas and deliver strong results."
"I am honored to continue serving this great institution and appreciate the commitment of our entire board of trustees, as well as every single one of our employees who work to meet MCC's mission of student success on behalf of our students," Gabbard said.
Gabbard's unwavering commitment to furthering the college's mission of learning and student success has helped move the college forward in a variety of strategic areas, including student enrollment growth; strategic workforce development efforts and a budding apprenticeship program with area employers; extensive renovations across campus that directly serve student access needs; a proactive COVID-19 response approach; an institutionwide initiative on diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion; and, most recently, the planning of the college's Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation.
"It is exciting to work alongside so many talented and passionate individuals. I have seen this talent firsthand, simply by how our people have given their time and focus to students each day," Gabbard added.
"It is a true pleasure to both live and work in McHenry County, and I look forward to being part of some great things ahead for the College."
Gabbard became the college's eighth president on Jan. 11, 2016. Before joining MCC, Gabbard served in administration and leadership roles at Lake Michigan College, Walla Walla Community College, Purdue University, and University of Notre Dame.
Gabbard earned his bachelor's degree from Evangel College and both his master's and doctorate degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Notre Dame.
He and his wife, Ronda, live in Bull Valley.