After more than two decades on the job, Douglas Eason is stepping down as president of Mitchell Community College.
“I had planned last year that this would be my final year,” Eason, 71, said during a campus press conference on Tuesday, adding that, after 52 years in education, he is ready to take a step back and spend more time with family and traveling.
His retirement will be effective Dec. 31, but Eason made it clear he will stay at the helm of the college until the Board of Trustees appoints his successor.
While no candidates for the position have been revealed yet, the search will likely take about six months, according to Eason.
Noting the tremendous growth MCC has experienced in recent years, Eason said it is now time for a new leader to take the college to another level
“I’ve done what I can do,” he said. “We need somebody who’s got a new point of view.”
Eason said he is particularly proud of the growth in student enrollment over the past five years, the expansion of the Mooresville campus, and the accomplishments of the nursing program and rocket team.
Board of Trustees Chairman Ralph Bentley said Eason’s 21 years as president have transformed MCC into one of the premier community colleges in the state and nation.
“Under Dr. Eason’s leadership, Mitchell has more than doubled in enrollment and physical space,” Bentley said in a press release. “Of even greater importance is Dr. Eason’s focus on quality and excellence in every aspect of college operations.”
Early Days
Eason’s first day on the campus was Sunday, July 1, 1990, and in the following years, the college has grown by leaps and bounds both physically and in student enrollment.
“This college really is serving Iredell County in a manner I would have hoped we would,” he said.
Eason came to MCC after having held several faculty and administrative positions at Columbia State Community College for 13 years. He began his career as a high school English teacher.
Eason is excited about the possibility of what’s to come.
“I’m really excited about my new opportunities,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be too far away from education.”
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