GASTON. C.O. — Gaston College President Dr. Patricia Skinner has announced her plans to retire in March of 2020, ending her more than 50-year career in higher education.
Dr. Skinner’s journey in education has traversed multiple states including Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina and will enter her 25th year as President of Gaston College in August of 2019.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as president of Gaston College. I came at a time when the College was poised for growth and expansion,” said Dr. Patricia Skinner. “This college has become an integral part of Gaston and Lincoln counties, and I am grateful for the tremendous support the College has received over the years from our many talented students, dedicated faculty and staff, community, county and state-wide partners, members of our Foundation and Textile Technology Boards, and the College’s Board of Trustees. Together, we have built an institution focused on quality education and student success, and I am proud that we have become one of the top community colleges of the 58 in North Carolina,” said President Skinner.
Dr. Patricia Skinner
She will retire as the first woman and fourth president to lead the 2-year community college that serves Gaston and Lincoln counties.
Dr. Skinner has overseen tremendous growth at Gaston College. Since the beginning of her tenure in 1984, the graduating class has grown from 347 students to a record 1,455 students in 2018.
“We reluctantly accept her decision and are forever grateful for all she’s done for the College and will continue to do in this next year,” said Dr. Jim Watson, Chair of the Gaston College Board of Trustees. “Thanks to Dr. Skinner’s vision and leadership, the College has experienced unprecedented growth since she became president more than 24 years ago. She and her dedicated team of faculty and staff have prepared this institution to serve the students, businesses, and industries in our counties for many years to come.”
Dr. Jim Watson will lead the search process to find a successor to President Skinner and says that information regarding the search will be announced at a later date.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are grateful to Dr. Skinner for her commitment to our students, our great college, and the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln counties and the state,” said Watson.
