WS Chronicle

On Thursday, Feb. 22, Forsyth Tech Community College (FTCC) board chair, Alan Proctor, announced that President Dr. Gary M. Green will be retiring from his position at the end of the year.

Green, who began his tenure at FTCC in 2001, is the colleges longest serving president. Since joining FTCC , the college has transformed to keep up with the ever changing economy, and achieved his goal of achieving high student success and completion rates.

During the press conference where Green’s retirement was made public, Proctor said it was tough news for the board to take because Green’s service has been so tremendous. He said during his 17 year career, Green radically evolved the educational experience for students at FTCC, by adding a broad array of new curriculum.

“He’s added a broad array of new curriculum. He led more than $100 million in facility expansions and raised more than $33 million over two capital campaigns and turned this school into a national education model for biotechnology, cyber security, and motor sports technology,” Proctor said. “… He has also given to our city, our county, our state, and our country and you will always be a part of our family.”

When discussing his time spent at FTCC, Green said it has been the “professional opportunity of a lifetime”.  He said, “I’ve been honored and enjoyed every day I’ve been here working with our board and working with our team.”

Although retirement is in sight, Green said there is still work to be done. He mentioned he will spend his last 10 months working to ensure all students are completing the programs.

“Our college remains committed to making sure we are retaining students and that our students are completing the work. And that all our students are reaching success regardless of economic resources race, ethnicity and regardless of all the differences we have,” he continued.  “… All students at Forsyth Tech are successful, receiving meaningful degrees and moving on.”

Green noted one of his proudest moments as president at FTCC was welcoming President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. These visits opened doors for FTCC to become a regional state, and national leader in biotechnology.

Green’s official last day is scheduled for Dec. 31. According to Proctor, the board of trustees will make a decision on the new president in January 2019. A search committee for the position will be co-chaired by Ann Bennett-Phillips of Capital Development Service and Edwin L. Welch Jr. of I.L. Long Construction.