Conway A. Jeffress, president of Schoolcraft College, has announced he will retire later this year. He has served as president of the community college since July 2001.
“Leading Schoolcraft College has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Jeffress says. “I’m extremely proud of the growth the college has experienced, the rewarding relationships I’ve built, and our service to the community. This is a difficult decision, but I feel the timing is right because I depart knowing that Schoolcraft College is in outstanding academic and financial standing and primed for even more growth and success in 2020 and many years beyond.”
Schoolcraft College experienced growth in enrollment and size during Jeffress’ presidential tenure. He oversaw the development of several new buildings and programs, including the school’s Bradner Library, VisTaTech Center, Biomedical Technology building, and the recent purchase of the former American Community Mutual Insurance building.
“I’m pleased with our ability to work with the city of Livonia to develop programs that furthered their aims and objectives as well as those of the college,” Jeffress says. “It was truly a win-win partnership that benefited the community and the students.”
Schoolcraft College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions. The accreditation means students earn credit that is transferrable to other higher learning institutions.
Jeffress also served as vice president for instruction and student services while at Schoolcraft and was the vice president of strategic planning in the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.
“Dr. Jeffress has been an incredibly dynamic and effective leader of Schoolcraft College,” says Brian D. Broderick, chair of Schoolcraft College’s board. “His tenure has been defined by academic success and incredible growth, all focused on providing the highest level of success for our faculty, staff, and most important, our students. Dr. Jeffress created an incredible era at Schoolcraft College and set the stage for continued success. We are extraordinarily grateful for his leadership and service to Schoolcraft College and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Schoolcraft College is a public community college that offers both physical and online classes. The college enrolls more than 30,000 students each year in both credit programs and continuing education and professional development programs.
