Here's the text of RCTC President Leslie McClellon's resignation letter today:
TO: Rochester Community and Technical College Students, Faculty, and Staff
ADVERTISEMENT
FROM: Leslie R. McClellon, President
DATE: December 17, 2015
RE: Resignation
The mission of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is to provide excellent academic programs for our students in a positive educational environment. I think that the college community has and is being diverted from its mission and the focus more and more is on me personally as President. Also, I cannot and will not put my own personal and professional interests above the mission of RCTC to which I am committed. Under these circumstances, I believe it is in the best interest of the College for me to step down so that the staff and students can move forward focused solely on achieving the mission of RCTC.
I am writing today with a mixture of sadness and optimism. My belief is that the current environment at Rochester Community and Technical College is not healthy for our students, nor is it good for our community. Despite our disagreements, I share a core commitment, along with the faculty and staff, to our students and to their success. Due to my faith in that shared commitment, I have decided to mitigate the impasse by stepping aside as president. My last day here at RCTC will be January 8, 2016. I thank the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees and Chancellor Steven Rosenstone for the opportunity to serve the College and community of Rochester. I am grateful to have served the college and I commit myself to do everything within my power to ensure a smooth transition for RCTC’s next leader.
While I am truly saddened to be leaving, I remain optimistic for the future of RCTC. The faculty and staff here at Rochester Community and Technical College are immensely talented; I know that each of you is devoted to ensuring that every student who enters our college graduates with an exceptional education that offers a path to a better life.
I am optimistic for my own future, as well. After a few weeks of transition, I will be starting a new position as a Senior System Director with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in Academic and Student Affairs. In this role I will be focused on developing and expanding academic and student support programs aimed at increasing student retention, program completion and working towards closing the achievement gap.
My new role will allow me to continue to support the success of RCTC students, as well as students throughout the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
While my new job is in St. Paul, I plan to remain a member of the Rochester community. And, just like so many members of the communities that the college serves, I wish the very best for RCTC and watching it soar as it continues to be a beacon for all.
