Orlando George will step down as president of Delaware Technical Community College on June 30 after a 45-year career with the college.
George also served in the Delaware House for two decades prior to becoming president of the college in the mid-1990s.
An external search for a successor was announced.
George said, “It has been my privilege and honor to lead this great college of ours for almost 19 years. I have loved every minute of serving as president because of the many opportunities it has given me to help make a difference in the lives of others…our students, our Delaware Tech family and our Delaware community. There can be no doubt that Delaware Tech raises the standard of living for Delawareans and opens doors for its graduates.”
Gov. Jack Markell said, “The strength of community colleges is a major factor in the strength of our workforce, and Delaware has benefited tremendously from Lonnie’s innovative and energetic leadership at Del Tech. The programs he has overseen have given countless Delawareans a better opportunity to further their education and pursue good jobs, and provided businesses with a resource to train quality employees. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will continue to benefit our state for years to come.”
Mark Stellini, chairman of the Board of Trustees stated, “Lonnie’s vision, commitment to the community college mission, and deep caring for the students has been a driving force behind the College’s last 19 years of accomplishments, and he has prepared us for continued success in the future. We clearly would not be where we are without his leadership.”
Under Dr. George’s leadership, Delaware Tech saw financial aid increase from $4.5 million to over $37 million which enables nearly 70% of graduates to complete their studies debt free, with agreements with four-year institutions increasing from 10 to 44.
Stellini stated that the Board of Trustees will conduct an external search for a new president. Details of the search will be announced at a later date.
Last year, Mark Brainard was named executive vice president of Delaware Tech and given responsibility for day to day operations in many areas of the college, which has campuses in Stanton, Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown.
