BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Lake Michigan College President Dr. Robert Harrison has announced his retirement at the end of 2015. He informed staff and faculty last Thursday during a meeting at the college’s Napier Avenue campus.

Dr. Robert Harrison

During Harrison’s six-year tenure, the college has made great strides in additions and improvements to academic programs. The college recently launched its first bachelor degree program in energy production and opened the Midwest’s first commercial teaching winery. National accreditation was achieved or reaffirmed in radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography, and nuclear training programs. New programs for first-generation and other at-risk students were introduced, leading to considerable increases in student success.

Considerable infrastructure projects were also completed. In 2014, Beckwith Hall, LMC’s first on-campus housing facility was constructed, a new student activity center was built on the Napier Avenue campus, and science and health program classrooms and labs were completely renovated.

Harrison joined the college in 1999 as Executive Dean of Bertrand Crossing and Workforce Services. He was appointed to president in 2009 succeeding Dr. Randall Miller.

“Dr. Harrison guided the college through a turbulent time and has put us on a positive path to serve the needs of the region,” said Mary Jo Tomasini, LMC’s Board Chair. “Under his calm and steady leadership, the college has experienced outstanding growth in communities served, services offered, and programs developed. He understands the region’s challenges and strengths, and truly cares about the people within it.”

During the next 10 months work will continue on the development of a new technology center, a new facility for the Great Lakes Wine Institute, and a forthcoming capital outlay project to make improvements to the Napier Avenue instructional building.

The board will begin the process of recruiting Harrison’s successor, starting with an evaluation of potential internal candidates.

“Lake Michigan College is an important key, maybe the most important key to helping the regional economy grow,” said Harrison. “I have complete confidence in the leadership team, the board, the president’s cabinet, faculty, and staff. Each person brings a unique set of skills to the table and as a whole, they function well together.”

Harrison’s plans for retirement include volunteering, small business ventures, and enjoying his time away from day-to-day work responsibilities.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at the college. It’s been rewarding and fulfilling and I believe we can continue to grow in successfully building the local workforce, being the focal point for cultural opportunities in the region, and helping our students achieve their goals and aspirations.”