NIC's Bell to retire in 2012

COEUR d'ALENE - Priscilla Bell is going to hang up her cap and gown.

The North Idaho College president announced at Wednesday's meeting of the college's board of trustees that she will be retiring in June 2012, when her current contract ends.

Bell told the board she has been working at community colleges for 36 years, and she realized at NIC's recent commencement that it was the 32nd time she had donned a cap and gown to participate in a community college graduation ceremony.

"It's been an exciting journey so far," Bell said, her voice breaking with emotion. "I really do take pride that the vast majority of people in North Idaho value what we do at NIC."

She said she has been reflecting recently on her goals, and her life outside the college.

"It's just time for me to retire," Bell said.

Bell is the first woman to lead NIC and its eighth president.

She was hired as president in 2007 to replace Michael Burke, who left to accept a position at San Jose City College in California.

Prior to joining NIC, Bell served as president of Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash., from 2000 to 2006.

Bell has led NIC through a period of skyrocketing enrollment and declining state funding for higher education.

During her tenure, the college completed the purchase of the former DeArmond Mill site, and began developing, through a partnership with the city of Coeur d'Alene, an education corridor adjacent to the college's downtown campus.

The college also purchased land on the Rathdrum Prairie where it plans to expand its professional-technical education programs.

Trustee Christie Wood said the 2007 board selected Bell for the president's position because of her passion and commitment to community colleges.

"She's made a mark on this institution," Wood said.

Board chair Mic Armon commended Bell for leading a staff and faculty who work well together.

"From my perspective, as a board member, I've never seen it this good in 10 years," Armon said.

The NIC Board of Trustees plans to begin a national search for the college's ninth president later this year.