As President Dr. Susan May prepares to retire at the end of July, her connection to Fox Valley Technical College will continue well beyond her last day at the office. The Fox Valley Technical College Board of Trustees recently voted unanimously to grant Dr. May the status of President Emeritus.

“In looking for different and meaningful ways to acknowledge Dr. May’s impact to the college, we felt this designation was worthy of the legacy she has created,” said Patty Van Ryzin, who served as board president when this designation was created.

Shortly after Dr. May announced her retirement, the trustees crafted a new policy that would create this title and relationship between the board and a retired president. The policy noted that Emeritus status could be given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the college through personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision and leadership.

The designation identifies the retired president as a continuing member of the College community who may be called upon to provide counsel, advocacy, or serve in volunteer roles in support of the college.

The board bestowed this honor on Dr. May on July 12, during her final board meeting as president. She is the first president in the college’s history to receive such a distinction.

“I have spent most of my adult life and almost my entire career in leadership roles for Fox Valley Technical College, so it is very much a part of me,” Dr. May said. “I am very honored by this designated title as it allows me to maintain a meaningful affiliation with this great organization and with career and technical education in general.  I will always be an advocate for this work and may find new ways to contribute in the years ahead.”