Lake Washington Technical College President Dr. Sharon McGavick announced she will retire, effective Jan. 15, 2011.
McGavick, who has led the college since December 2007, informed the college’s Board of Trustees of her decision at their regular meeting on Sept. 13.
“I originally came for a year, and because of the faculty, staff, and board, I stayed for three,” she said. “This is something I have thought long and hard about. I have enjoyed every minute and want to thank everyone for their honesty, commitment to the mission of the school and good work and support of me and the college.”
McGavick added once she retires she will move to her home in Arizona.
The board is working to develop the process to identify and hire a new president, said chairman Sang I. Chae.
“It is with deep sadness that the board accepts Sharon’s retirement,” said Chae. “She has been a leader of exceptional vision and passion and has worked tirelessly to ensure our college remained on the leading edge when it came to providing for our students, faculty and staff.”
During her tenure, McGavick oversaw several changes to LWTC, including the implementation of the first baccalaureate degree offered by a technical college in Washington.
Other highlights:
• Expanded offerings at the college’s branch campuses in Redmond and Duvall;
• Oversaw the construction of an 83,000-square foot Allied Health Building, scheduled for completion in time for Fall Quarter 2011;
• Introduced instructional programs Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Funeral Service Education, Esthetician, Massage Practitioner and Wine Technology in response to market demands;
• Intensified international outreach, resulting in an electronics lab sponsored by ED, Co., Ltd, a Korean Company and a sister school partnership with the Korea Polytechnic Organization (KOPO).
McGavick came to LWTC after 10 years as president of Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma. A Northwest native, she has more than 30 years experience serving the community in education and politics. She has been a teacher at all levels of education and an administrator for several high schools and community colleges.
In the political arena, McGavick was a member of the Tacoma City Council for 10 years and Deputy Mayor of Tacoma in 2002, where she was an outspoken advocate for economic development and the arts.
McGavick received her Bachelor of Science, Master’s, and Ed.D. in Education from Oregon State University. Her achievements include the Earl Norman Leadership Award in Community Colleges (2001) and the Woman of Influence Business Examiner Award (2003). Her leadership efforts include her presidency of the Community College President’s Association in 2004.
Lake Washington Technical College currently offers 40 degree programs on three campuses, has over 250 experienced faculty members and serves more than 4,000 students each year. The main campus is located in Kirkland, with branch campuses in Redmond and Duvall.
