BISMARCK, N.D. - Dr. Joseph McCann, president of Williston State College in Williston, N.D., today announced his resignation effective April 15, 2009. McCann has been president of WSC since July 2000.

"My time as president of Williston State College has been personally and professionally rewarding," McCann said. "My wife Nila and I have developed lasting relationships with this college and community, but it is time to seek new professional challenges. Williston State has made significant accomplishments in the past several years, and I believe this is the appropriate time to begin the transition to a new president."

"The State Board of Higher Education appreciates the fact that Dr. McCann has given us advance notice of his plans to leave WSC," said John Q. Paulsen, SBHE president. "Joe's contributions to the college have been significant, and this transition period will give the board and WSC time to complete some of the initiatives now underway and to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership."

"President McCann's years at Williston State College have been marked by many noteworthy accomplishments," said Bill Goetz, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. "In 2006, a WSC proposal for an Economic Development Center of Excellence was selected for funding, and the college's Petroleum Safety and Technology Center was established. Joe is highly regarded for his ability to partner with the private sector, and more than 50 new business and industry partnerships have been established during his presidency."

Other key WSC accomplishments during McCann's presidency include:

• Participation in the Higher Learning Commission's Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP)
  
• Responding to the workforce training needs of the northwest quadrant of North Dakota as part of the state's workforce training system
  
• Selection for participation in the Ford Foundation Rural Community College Initiative
  
• Construction of the $5.7 million Thomas Witt Leach Complex
  
• Establishment of the Little Teton Daycare Center for the children of WSC students
  
• Expansion of distance education programs and the addition of new career and technical education programs

Plans for a WSC presidential search will be announced at a later date.