Dr. Joel Michaelis has been
selected as Southeast Community College’s new vice president for instruction,
replacing Dr. Dennis Headrick, who retired this past spring. Michaelis comes to
SCC from Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College where he served as vice
president of academic affairs.
“I started
working in community colleges in 1993 and have worked in a variety of roles
within student services and instruction at various colleges, serving students
from different backgrounds,” Michaelis said. “I hope that experience can add to
the great work that is already happening at Southeast Community College.”
Michaelis will
lead approximately 350 full-time faculty and hundreds of adjunct faculty, as
well as a team of deans, associate deans and staff.
Michaelis grew up
in Kansas and North Dakota and spent the majority of his life in Texas. He
started his college career at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. He earned a
B.B.A. in Management from Texas A&M University, and a M.Ed. in Higher
Education Administration from the University of Texas. He then earned his Ph.D.
in Higher Education Administration from Baylor University.
Michaelis began teaching as a sixth-grade
mathematics instructor. He also taught developmental algebra and served in
various administrative roles in both student services and instruction at
Central Texas College, Howard College, Hill College, Galveston College, Navarro
College, and SKCTC.
He is committed to the community college
mission and is excited to be part of the growth that is occurring at SCC.
“A significant building campaign such
as what is happening now at SCC is indicative of leadership that foresees a
bright future for the College and the need to provide facilities that can
address the higher educational needs of the communities it serves,” he added.
Michaelis and his wife Cindy have
three adult children. He begins his new role on July 20 and will be located at
the Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center in Lincoln.