President Joanne Jaeger Tomblin Announces Retirement

Mount Gay, West Virginia- At the February 26, 2015 regular meeting of the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical Board of Governors, President, Joanne Jaeger Tomblin announced her retirement effective June 30, 2015. President Tomblin has been employed at Southern for 33 years, with more than 15 years as its President. Tomblin stated, “The decision was most difficult and emotional, but with less than two years remaining in Governor Tomblin’s term of office, I want to devote the remaining years as a full-time First Lady for West Virginia. I hope my experience as a college president will enable me to compliment the Governor’s focus on education, the economy and workforce development.” Southern’s Board Chair and Managing Partner of Bowles Rice Law Firm, Mr. Thomas Heywood said, “President Tomblin has served Southern with great distinction. She has a record of remarkable accomplishment and achievement and has literally transformed the College during her tenure. One of President Tomblin’s many legacies is that she leaves Southern in a position of enormous strength and vitality, well positioned for success into the future.” Mr. Heywood went on the say, “I know I speak not only for the Board of Governors, but also for the faculty, staff, students and members of the communities served by Southern when I say a hearty “thank you” to President Tomblin for all that she has accomplished. We wish her all the best in her upcoming and well-deserved retirement, and we look forward to her continued service to the citizens of West Virginia as First Lady.” President Tomblin expressed her appreciation to the Board members stating that her life had been enriched from working with and having the support of so many wonderful administrators, faculty, staff and students, not only at the college, but throughout the state, nation and internationally. Tomblin added, “I have been more than been rewarded in watching our students receive degrees each year at commencement. A majority of students would never have the opportunity to attain a higher education degree if it were not for Southern. I have been blessed in more ways than I could ever express. This has been an opportunity of a lifetime” In the coming weeks, the Board of Governors in collaboration with the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education will initiate the search process for a new president, including recommendations for an Interim President while the search is being conducted.