Midland College announces Damon Kennedy new President

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - While the spring semester at Midland College has ended, a new chapter began for others.

Midland College announced Thursday morning that Damon Kennedy will serve as the school’s next president.

Kennedy last served as Vice President of Instructional Services at Midland College. He previously served as Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Business at Midland College.

Dr. Kennedy earned a Doctor of Philosophy in American History from Texas Tech University; and a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in American History from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

Dr. Kennedy becomes the fifth president at Midland College.

This was a special moment for him for the many years he spent educating students.

Dr. Kennedy was a student at Midland College.

After years of being an educator, he now serves as the head of the school.

“And I think to be quite frank, what pushed me over the top was being local. I know that being local wasn’t the sole reason that I was chosen, but I think when you have exceptional candidates in the pool, then that always helps.” said Dr. Damon Kennedy, the lone finalist for President at Midland College.

With his experience, the board have confidence that Dr. Kennedy will lead Midland College to greater things.

Although they had lots of qualified candidates both in the area and nationwide, Dr. Kennedy was a no brainer for the board.

“He’s been at the college many years. He’s well regarded in the community, smart, he’s got vision. There’s not just one thing that tipped the scale, he’s the complete package. And he’s the future of this college.” said Steven Kiser, Chair of the Midland College Board of Trustees.

Dr. Kennedy planned to teach history in the Permian Basin for the rest of his life.

However, after years at Midland College he got involved in leadership roles that helped launch programs.

Some of those include the Pre-K Academy and Baccalaureate in early Childhood Education programs in Midland College.

“Midland College is going to continue to be a strong partner with all taxing entities, with business and industry, and with the community at large. And so again I would say the message is Midland College will be the college that the Midland community deserves.” said Dr. Kennedy.

Even though the board has appointed Dr. Kennedy as the sole finalist, Texas law requires them to wait 21 days after to officially announce him as the new president.

They will have a special meeting in late June where he will be officially announced as the new president of Midland College.

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