Cochise College President Dr. Karen Nicodemus and Vice President for Instruction/Provost Dr. Joanna Michelich have announced their plans to retire in summer 2009. The news reached college employees via email on Sunday, and the college Governing Board had earlier been informed of the duo’s decision to leave within the same time period.

In their message to employees, Nicodemus and Michelich wrote, “As baby boomers, we both know that there comes a time when it is in the best interest of the college and ourselves to step aside for new leadership. We have individually and together grappled with ‘when’ and ‘how,’ given our passion for the mission of the college, love for Cochise College, and the numerous educational opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the college and our communities.”

Nicodemus and Michelich chose to make the information public well in advance of their retirement to allow the board to conduct a national search for a new president in a timely manner, and so that a new president can participate in the selection of the college’s next chief academic and student services officer/s.

“I don’t believe there is anything more important to the success of a president than being able to hire individuals who share the same values about teaching, learning and students and who will support, challenge, and work with him/her in pursuit of the college’s vision and mission,” Nicodemus said. “I speak for both Joanna and myself when I say that we have enjoyed the opportunity to work as a team from the early months of my tenure as president and hers as chief academic officer/provost. By stepping aside at the same time, we are providing the same opportunity to a new president and vice president that we have had over the past 10 years.”

Nicodemus has served as college president since being appointed as interim president in November 1997. Following a national search, she was hired as the college’s 10th president in July 1998. She started her career with Cochise College in 1986 serving as a faculty member and women’s basketball coach.

Michelich, a graduate of Cochise College, returned to the college as the vice president for instruction/provost in November 1998 and has served as senior administrator for both instruction and student services since 1999.

“It was inevitable that these two excellent administrators and educators would wish to retire, and the board supports their decision and appreciates that they have given thought to creating a desirable situation for those who will fill these critical positions,” said Jan Guy, chair of the Cochise College Governing Board. “The coming year will challenge the board to recruit administrators who understand the complex and diverse needs of our students.”

 and our communities and who also will be committed to our educational priorities and move the institution forward. Given their dedication, depth of understanding, and passion for Cochise College, I anticipate that replacing Dr. Nicodemus and Dr. Michelich will be a real challenge.”