FORKS — The Peninsula College Board of Trustees approved Luke P. Robins’ contract as the new president Tuesday during a board meeting at the college’s campus in Forks and designated former President Tom Keegan as “president emeritus” of the college.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Robins and his family to the Peninsula, and we know the local communities will join us,” said Julie McCulloch, board chairwoman.
Under the newly inked contract, Robins will earn $175,000 and will begin on July 1, said Phyllis Van Holland, spokeswoman for Peninsula College.
Keegan was earning $204,434 in the 10th and final year of his tenure and is now earning $200,000 as president of Skagit Valley College.
Robins has been chancellor of Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe, La., a two-year college with 2,700 students, since 2006.
Visited in February
He visited Port Angeles, Forks and Port Townsend on Feb. 5-6, and took part in several community and college forums during the search for a new president.
He is expected to visit Port Angeles twice in May or June before he relocates to the area.
Robins has served as executive vice president and chief academic officer at National Park Community College in Hot Springs, Ark., and as dean of instruction at Eastern Idaho Technical College in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
He received his doctorate in educational administration with a specialty in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin; his master’s in English, community college teaching track, from Illinois State University in Normal, Ill.; and his bachelor’s in Christian education from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill.
During the Port Angeles forum, Robins emphasized using an entrepreneurial approach in response to ongoing state and federal cuts to higher education.
Interim President Brinton Sprague, a retired community college administrator and Port Ludlow resident, is overseeing college management during the transition from Keegan to Robins.
The trustees also voted to extend the title of “president emeritus,” to Keegan, in acknowledgment of his accomplishments at Peninsula College.
The honor is “In recognition of his years of exemplary service and leadership,” Van Holland said.
Honors for Keegan
“Emeritus” is a courtesy title awarded to individuals who have achieved a certain distinction in a high ranking position in education or business before departing under good terms.
Keegan began his new job as president of Skagit Valley, his alma mater, in March.
The new title is the second honor bestowed on Keegan by the trustees.
The $22 million science and technology building built in 2007, formerly known as M Building, was renamed Keegan Hall to honor the man who oversaw a decade of expansion for Peninsula College, including more than $120 million in new construction.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
