JWCC President Michael Elbe announces retirement

QUINCY (WGEM) - John Wood Community College President Michael Elbe announced Thursday his plans to retire, effective Dec. 31.

Elbe told the JWCC staff and faculty during a collegewide meeting that he believes this is a good time to transition for himself, his family and the college. He said he has been very fortunate and blessed with the opportunities provided to him over the past 32-years.

“It has been an honor to serve as President of John Wood for these past eight-plus years and to work with so many individuals who are responsible for the college’s success — faculty, staff, administration, trustees and the community,” Elbe said. “Together, we shared a united commitment to student success and serving the citizens of our district.”

JWCC Board of Trustees Chair Diane Ary offered her congratulations to Elbe.

“In searching for the right words to accept Mike’s announcement, this is bittersweet news for our college, our students and our community,” Ary said. “The ‘sweet part’ of this announcement is the well-deserved and earned career achievement that is on Mike’s horizon. Mike has given us eight-plus years of outstanding leadership and accomplishments as our president. He has been a champion for our students and the mission of JWCC.”

Ary said it is a “challenge to accept the ‘bitter part’ of this news.”

“Our board and all of us at this organization will certainly miss Mike’s passion, commitment, integrity, transparency, guidance, and friendship to the John Wood community,” Ary said. “Mike’s shoes will be very difficult to fill. For the last eight years, President Elbe has guided and led JWCC through some of the most challenging times in the college’s nearly 50 years.”

The Board and administration said they are dedicated to proper succession planning at all levels of the college.

“I am committed to leading the college while the board of trustees begins the process of selecting the next president,” Elbe said. “By conducting a search while I am still at John Wood, we will keep moving forward while preparing for a smooth transition.”

Ary said there will be a “thorough and collaborative process” to find Elbe’s replacement.

Elbe became president of the college in 2014.

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