Lake Michigan College President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke Announces Retirement
BENTON HARBOR, MI - Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President of Lake Michigan College (LMC), has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2026. Dr. Kubatzke is providing early notice to allow the Board of Trustees time to develop a plan to find his successor.
Dr. Kubatzke has served as President of Lake Michigan College since 2017, leading the institution through a period of significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, LMC has strengthened its position as a cornerstone educational institution serving Berrien and Van Buren counties.
"After much reflection and with a profound sense of gratitude, I am writing to formally announce my retirement as President of Lake Michigan College," Dr. Kubatzke stated in his letter to the Board of Trustees. "This decision does not come lightly, as my time here has been among the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional and personal life."
Notable Achievements During Dr. Kubatzke's Tenure
During his presidency, Dr. Kubatzke has overseen numerous initiatives that have enhanced the college's impact on the community:
Dr. Kubatzke reflected on his most meaningful experiences as president: "The most meaningful moments for me have never been about statistics or milestones. They have been found in the laughter echoing through the halls during Welcome Week, the determination in the eyes of a returning adult learner, the heartfelt conversations with faculty about teaching and learning, and the triumphs of students walking across the stage at commencement."
Presidential Search Process
The Board of Trustees has retained The Pauly Group of Chicago to assist in the presidential search process. The Pauly Group is recognized as one of the leading academic search consulting firms in the nation, specializing exclusively in senior administrative searches for community and technical colleges.
"We are committed to conducting a thorough and inclusive search process to find the next leader who will continue building upon Lake Michigan College's strong foundation," said Joan Smith, Chair of the LMC Board of Trustees. “Dr. Kubatzke's early announcement demonstrates his continued commitment to the institution and provides us with the time needed to identify the best candidate to lead LMC into the future."
Looking Forward
Dr. Kubatzke will continue serving in his role through December 31, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for the incoming president. He expressed his ongoing commitment to community college education and indicated his intention to continue supporting the institution in various capacities after retirement.
"While I look forward to retirement and the new adventures that await, I will never be far from the mission that has defined my career," Dr. Kubatzke noted. "I remain committed to community college education and will continue to support and champion this great institution in any way I can."
About Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is a two-year, accredited, nonprofit community college with its main campus in Benton Harbor, and additional instructional sites in Allegan, Niles and South Haven, Michigan.
LMC serves as a cultural center, regional economic partner, and a leader in innovation. It features the largest conference and performance center in the region and The Fab Lab, which is a high-tech, hands-on makerspace where creativity meets cutting-edge tools, empowering students and the community to design, prototype, and innovate.
Established in 1946 as Benton Harbor Junior College, LMC is also the region’s leader in high quality, affordable higher education, offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs in more than 80 fields of study, including business, health sciences, manufacturing, wine and viticulture, culinary, and more. LMC offers national-title-winning intercollegiate athletic teams, on-campus housing, and a wealth of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations to create an authentic college experience close to home. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.
Dr. Trevor Kubatzke
