1999

WEEKOF __ /~- -5_-~9_9~------

Dr. Eddie Smith leaving ECCC for. retirement Dr. Eddie ?-.~ Smith. presi- dent of East Central Community College in Decatur, announced his resig– nation during the monthly meeting of the College's Board ofTrustees. Dr. Smith, who has led his alma mater since 1985, said he plans to retire on June 30, 2000. By that time, the 56- year-old Mississippi native ~ have served almost 36 years m the field of education. In a letter to Board Chairman Prentice Copeland of Philadelphia, Dr. Smith explained his decisiOn to retire ha not been made in haste and is a decision that I belieYe will be in the best interest of my Wife and me." Dr. Smith further stated: "A mo::-t important decision in his or her professional life i::; when to leave a position of employ– ment. I know that when my current contract ends on June 30, 2000. it will be time for me to end my employment with East Centra) and to open the way for the college's next leader."

In accepting Dr. Smiths let– ter of resignation. Copeland praised the ECCC leader for his efforts in effectively gwd– ing the two-year college to the new millennium. Enrollment at East Central has increased each year under Dr. Smith's leadership, and climbed to 2153 students during the 1998 fall term Vano impro\ e– ments and addinon~ h.r ~ also been made on the Decatur campus, including construction of a , new women's dormitory (Erma Lee Barber Hall) and Student Union Buildmg, which Board members voted to name in honor of Dr. Smith. Both facilities are scheduled to be completed for the 1999 fall term. Copeland said the search for Dr. Smith s succes~or begin immediatel)

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