Mid-Plains president leaving post

NORTH PLATTE -- Dr. George Mihel, President of the Mid-Plains Community College Area has announced his retirement effective Aug 12.

Dr. Carlton Williams, who is serving as Interim Vice President of the North Platte Campuses, has accepted the interim role of Acting President beginning today.

In an e-mail to the faculty, staff, and administration, Dr. Mihel said, " ... there has been a great amount of stress for all of us and most of you know much of this has been particularly stressful for me. Some of you are aware the events here have had an adverse effect on my health.

"I realize this is very abrupt, but it has been considered of some time."

Betty Wadewitz, Chair of the Mid-Plains Community College Area Board of Governors said, "the Board of Governors had previous knowledge that Dr. Mihel was considering giving notice of his intent to retire. Dr. Mihel has provided the institution with strong fiscal leadership. During his time here, the physical plant needs were studied and several building project will begin shortly in both McCook and North Platte. Most likely, the board will take action at its July meeting on Dr. Mihel's notice of his intent to retire. We are very pleased that Dr. Williams has agreed to step in as the acting president. The Board of Governors is fortunate to have someone of Dr. William's caliber and experience. We are also appreciative that Dr. Michael Chipps, newly hired Vice-President of the North Platte Campuses, has agreed to move up his start date to July 22. He brings over 20 years of experience at Central Community College with him and will provide significant leadership to the Mid-Plains system."

Dr. Mihel began his term as president at the Mid-Plains Community College Area on July 1st, 1998. He came to the Mid-Plains system from Colorado Northwestern Community College -- Craig Campus in Craig, Colo. where he served as Campus Vice-President. He succeeded Dr. Greg Fitch who left MPCCA to become the Executive Director of Idaho's entire state education system.