One of Paul Heath’s first goals in life was simple: Become the first member of his family to graduate from college.
Back in the 1950s Heath had no idea that receiving a degree from Central Michigan State University would become the first step in a 35-year relationship with colleges. And he definitely never envisioned himself ever heading one.
As fate would have it, Heath would go on to become president of four community colleges including, most recently, Elgin Community College, from which he will retire in August.
“I think it’s a good time for a change in leadership-some new blood,” said Heath, 59. “I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit and I came to the conclusion this was the right time.”
The college has not named a successor. Heath said the board of trustees will hire an outside consultant to begin the search for a new president, with a decision on a replacement to be made by July 1.
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Heath said he discussed retirement with the board more than a year ago, but its members discouraged him. The outgoing president agreed to reconsider his decision and said that if he did choose to retire, he would give the board at least five months’ advance notice.
He informed the board this week of his decision to step down.
Under Heath’s stewardship the 44-year-old institution, one of four community colleges in the northwest suburbs, enjoyed a period of growth. Enrollment rose nearly 70 percent during Heath’s tenure at the two-year school and now stands at more than 10,000 students.
To accommodate the burgeoning enrollment, the college initiated a $48 million expansion that will nearly double its physical size.
Heath, the son of a welder, said he was unsure of what retirement would bring for him. Possibly teaching. Perhaps a book. Or maybe even doing some consulting work-for colleges, of course.