The Danville Area Community College Board of Trustees has voted to approve an agreement for the departure of President Dr. Stephen Nacco, as of the end of the fall semester on December 13th. Board members Sandra Finch and Dylan Haun abstained from the vote. Nacco had been on paid leave since September 16th, about a month after his now well known dispute with Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. Nacco was not in attendance at Thursday night’s board meeting. Williams was, and had no comment afterwards.
DACC Board President David Harby described the agreement as both a resignation and retirement by Dr. Nacco. He said Nacco will receive 20 weeks of pay, by law; and starting next week will work two days on campus and three days at home each work; finishing up some projects before the final date in December.
Outgoing DACC president Dr. Stephen Nacco
In responding to Central Illinois Multimedia Group, Dr. Nacco stated that he has retired. Dr. Nacco also stated that “I appreciate the overwhelmingly positive support I’ve received over the past two months from community members, faculty and staff, and students.”
There are no plans for selecting a new president right now, but Provost and Interim President Dr. Carl Bridges said the process will likely not be completed until next fall. As far as how the last couple of months have been, Dr. Bridges says the goal was “just keep going.”
AUDIO: I sent an email out to the campus when this all started. And I said; you know the phrase “business as usual,” well for us it’s “education as usual.” We have a lot of projects and programs that we’re working on. We’re going to continue to work on them and move forward. We have a community to serve and students to serve. We’re going to continue to do that.
Also at DACC Board meeting: Medical Assistant Instructor Candice Milam and students address the board about the program, County Board member Jerry Hawker objects to 17.3% increase in DACC tax levy, Board President David Harby announces his resignation.
At the end of the meeting, DACC Board President David Harby announced his resignation from the board, as of 5 PM Friday, October 25th. Harby says it is not because DACC is getting a new president, but for his own health reasons.
AUDIO: But I’ve has four hospitalizations in the last year. That’s not counting going to walking clinics, doctor’s appointments, riding in ambulances. I road in am ambulance two weeks ago.
Dr. Nacco also had a comment on Harby stepping down, saying “The College is losing a great leader with Dave Harby’s retirement.”