Henry Ford Community College Names New Dean

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DEARBORN — Henry Ford Community College has named Tracy P. Pierner as the college’s new vice president of academic affairs for career and technical programs.

“We are very pleased that Pierner has joined HFCC. His experience in higher education and in industry, along with his strong dedication to students and the community college mission, will make him an invaluable asset to the College,” said Gail Mee, president of HFCC.

Prior to coming to HFCC, Pierner served as dean of technical education for Aiken Technical College in Aiken, SC, for five years. At Aiken, he was responsible for the technical education academic programs and courses and the development of training partnerships with business and industry. Previously, he worked as an engineer for 13 years at the Kimberly-Clark Corp. in Neenah, Wisc., and Rockwell Automation in Cleveland. He also served in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, achieving the rank of staff sergeant.

“We are at a time of tremendous change and opportunity within education. With the proper infusion of technology, innovation, and energy, we can provide educational opportunities that are high quality, flexible, engaging, and highly agile, which lead to increased student success and retention,” said Pierner. “I am very excited about joining HFCC and look forward to being part of the educational team dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. The College is clearly a leader among community colleges and works diligently in providing a high-quality education for all students, as well as important job training opportunities geared toward the jobs of tomorrow,” he added.

Pierner earned his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisc.; his graduate degree in engineering with an emphasis on Control and Automation Systems from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland; and his doctorate in technology management-manufacturing systems from Indiana State University in Terre Haute.