HARRISON–Tim Hood, currently president of Highland Community College in Freeport, Ill., will become the seventh president of Mid Michigan College in July.
MMC officials say the appointment concludes a national search and an “intensive” interview process.
Hood began his career in higher education as a faculty member and workforce development trainer, first for nine years at Madisonville Community College in Kentucky, and then at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Ill. for four years. He then moved to Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill. as vice president of instruction and chief academic officer, then dean of corporate training and community education. He also served a term as president of the Illinois Community College Chief Academic Officers Organization, representing 48 community college in the state.
Hood came to Highland as vice president of academics and chief academic officer in 2011, then was promoted to executive vice president in 2014 and president in 2015.
“We are excited to welcome Tim to our college community and feel confident in his ability to lead Mid, even during today’s challenging circumstances,” said Doug Jacobson, chair of the Mid Michigan College board of trustees. “Tim’s breadth of experiences, his passion for skilled training and workforce development, and his love for rural areas and community colleges make him an exceptional fit for Mid.”
Hood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication with a public relations specialization and a Master of Science in organizational communication, both from Southern Illinois University. He is now finishing his dissertation for a Ph.D. in organizational communication.
“I am so honored and excited regarding the opportunity to serve as the next president of Mid Michigan College,” said Hood. “Mid’s legacy as a premier college, the excellence of those who serve there, and the beauty of the region have collectively peaked my enthusiasm to live and work there.”
Besides his academic duties, Hood serves on the Workforce Connection Board (WIOA), the Northwest Illinois Economic Development Board, the Greater Freeport Partnership Board, and the Region 1 Planning Council. He is also a member of the executive committee for the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
The parents of five daughters and grandparents of three children, Hood and his wife, Val, are proud that each of their daughters have and will have successfully completed community college degrees before transferring to universities. All family and extended family members enjoy outdoor activities, and prefer to live in and contribute to the livelihood of rural communities.
Mid Michigan College, with campuses in Harrison and Mt. Pleasant, has been serving its community since 1965. More at midmich.edu.