The president of IVCC, Jerry Corcoran, has announced his plans for retirement on July 1, 2023.

Corcoran’s time as president spans 15 years, although he has been working at IVCC since 1990. He began as director of the Dislocated Workers Center, then became director of purchasing and later the director of human resources.

Prior to being named president in 2008, he was Vice President for Business Services and Finance for five years.

After working with the college staff for nearly three decades, Corcoran is confident IVCC will continue to succeed in his absence.

“So many of the unbelievable challenges we were facing a few years ago… have been averted because we’ve hired good people who are working hard to move the college forward.”

Corcoran added, “When Jim Collins wrote the book ‘Good to Great,’ he talked about not only having the right people on the bus, but also in the right seats. Thankfully, that’s where IVCC is today and that will carry on after I leave.”

Former Seneca School Superintendent. Jim Carlson was appointed by trustees to serve as presidential search consultant. Corcoran looks forward to working with Carlson over the next 10 months.

The president assured the public that the five goals set for the college this year will be achieved.

While those may still be in the process, Corcoran has completed a number of other accomplishments over the course of his presidential career.

For example, construction of the Student Life Center and Eagle Point Café, two popular spots on campus, were—along with the construction of the $30.5 million Peter Miller Community Technology Center (CTC)—a couple of Corcoran’s major achievements.

Renovations for the chemistry and biology labs took place during his tenure, along with a renewal of the IVCC agriculture and criminal justice programs. Corcoran also pushed for the building of the Truck Driver Training facility and Skill Path.

Corcoran was responsible for raising $4 million in private funding, and for opening the Ottawa Center satellite campus.

And in fall of 2023, the college can expect the establishment of new cybersecurity, Medical Assistant and dental hygiene programs.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Corcoran sold textbooks to college professors around the country. The job introduced him to the environment and culture of a higher education career.

“I was hooked,” said Corcoran, “and that feeling has never gone away. So many of the students I’ve met over the years have been incredibly wonderful. My happiest moments are seeing students succeed.”