time with meaningful activities. They
talked about a lack of structure and
opportunity, and a loss of contacts. In
short, these retirees wished they had
spent more time planning what they
would do in retirement, other than
traveling, recreating, and developing
personal relationships.
Retired presidents did offer advice to
those considering retirement. Almost
all respondents emphasized the importance of planning—planning that takes
place well in advance of retirement.
Retired presidents strongly suggest
that planning encompass not only
finance, but all of one’s activities. Acting presidents are encouraged to talk
to retired presidents to reflect on their
experiences and what these experiences
might mean. Presidents need to prepare
for retirement in such a way as to
embrace a new, more personal identity
that is not defined by what he or she
did in the work world.
Retired presidents also challenge
acting presidents about their readiness
to retire. Because a decision to retire is
personal and, for the most part, final,
it needs to be thought through over
a period of time in consultation with
one’s chief stakeholders. At the same
time, retired presidents suggest that
retirement decisions should be made
when people still have energy and
enthusiasm for life in order to enjoy
what life has to offer.
aaCC’s role
Eighty-four percent of retirees said
AACC has a role in helping presidents
prepare for retirement. A similar num-
ber felt that AACC should offer specific
programs that would focus on finance,
possible professional opportunities, and
the transition to retirement. The latter
is vague. But clearly retired presidents
see the transition to retirement as chal-
lenging. One can speculate that retired
presidents did not fully anticipate
all the changes that were involved in
the transition, were not prepared for
certain personal adjustments, and were
unaware of the challenges such a transi-
tion would present. Ninety-six percent
of presidents agreed that more research
should be done into issues that affect
retirement.
Final Thoughts
This initial survey of retired community
college presidents has generated
a variety of responses that might prove
helpful to those who plan to retire and
to others who are in a position to assist
those in retirement. Though there is no
dominant profile or consensus among
respondents, presidents who retire are
generally satisfied with their decisions
and with their experiences in retirement.
Some presidents wax poetic about
their experiences, while others express
reservations about their lack of planning. All presidents seem to agree that
retirees need to plan for much more than
their financial futures.
Daniel Moriarty is president emeritus of
Portland Community College.
The District Board of Trustees of Hillsborough Community
College located in Tampa, Florida, invites applications for the
position of District President to replace retiring president
Dr. Gwendolyn W. Stephenson.
For complete position details and information on the application
process, go to www.hccfl.edu or for additional information,
inquiries, or questions please contact Dr. Narcisa Polonio, ACCT,
Vice President for Education, Research and Board Leadership
Services, 202 276 1983 or npolonio@acct.org.
