By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Toward the end of the Barton Community College Board of Trustees study session Tuesday afternoon, President Dr. Carl Heilman announced his retirement at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Heilman read a prepared statement to the trustees announcing his final day with the college will be June 30, 2024.
"Please accept this retirement notice," said Heilman. "It has been a gift to be among so many great people that have believed and continue to believe in the mission of this fine college. My sincere gratitude and thanks to all."
Heilman was named the fifth president at Barton in July 2006. Prior to serving Barton, Heilman was Campus President for Lincoln Trail College in Illinois.
Trustees Chairman Mike Johnson said at the board meeting on Sept. 26, the board will be presented a timeline of the process to hire the next president.
"We've also started putting together some names that will serve on a steering committee that will oversee the process," said Johnson. "They will narrow down what I think will probably be a significant number of applicants that we will get for this position. We look forward to looking those applications over and moving on with the process."
Heilman attended college at the University of Northern Iowa and received his doctorate from Iowa State University.
"I always appreciated the support of the trustees throughout the tenure," said Heilman. "It was definitely a group effort. There are many fond memories."
“My service to the College has been a highlight of my career. There is still much to accomplish, and I look forward to continuing to guide progress for the next nine months while also paving the way for new leadership to move forward.”