The decision to convert five large Navy buildings into a full-service college campus was made in 2011. Dean Jim Whitten hit the ground running as he built Brunswick-based partnerships with diverse stakeholders in business, government, universities, high schools, and technical education centers.

A few months later I was appointed President of Southern Maine Community College — just in time to welcome the Midcoast Campus’s first students. Dust was flying from renovations as innovative academic and workforce programs were launched. Campus life grew vibrant.

Over seven years a few thousand students have come to the Midcoast Campus to gain useful skills and improve life for themselves, their families, and their communities. They’ve earned valuable credentials, prepared for solid careers, and pursued additional learning. Employers keep returning to campus to recruit skilled workers and coordinate customized training. This investment in student success and workforce development will pay dividends for generations to come. It’s permanent.

In Brunswick, as well in South Portland and online, SMCC is very proud of its rising graduation and transfer rates, innovative training partnerships, and strong community support. A recent comprehensive review by external evaluators praised the college highly and recommended that it be fully accredited for the next 10 years.

With the future resting on solid ground it’s time for one change. Family and life are calling me to new paths, so I will step down from the presidency of this fine college at the end of this month. My pride and active support of SMCC and the Maine Community College System will continue. It’s been a fantastic seven years thanks to so many talented and committed visionaries. Farewell, and thank you for the honor and privilege of collaborating with you to create a better future.

President Joe Cassidy will succeed me. I’ve known him for five years and can think of no better person to build on all the good of SMCC and bring it to the next level. A graduate of Maine Law with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Southern Maine, Joe began his career as a faculty member and has taught at the elementary, secondary, and college level. In addition to having served as President of two other Maine colleges, he has been a popular choice for numerous positions of leadership, including Mayor of the City of Calais.

SMCC’s future is bright.

Ronald G. Cantor is the president of Southern Maine Community College.