South Plains College President, Dr. Gary D. McDaniel has decided to bring an end to his 43-year career in education.

The announcement came during a regular monthly meeting of the South Plains Board of Regents held Nov. 11. He is resigning as president and making plans for his retirement.

“I’m retiring,” said Dr. McDaniel told the Plainsman Press. “ I am 65 years old, and I am ready to retire.”

Dr. McDaniel was proud to announce, with unanimous vote, that Dr. Kelvin Sharp will succeed him.

Dr. McDaniel has been president of three Texas community colleges in a 25-year span. He has lead SPC for 10 years as it’s third president, and has watched and helped the college grow.
“Serving as president of South Plains College has been the high point of my career,” said Dr. McDaniel.

Just a few of his accomplishments during his tenure include record enrollments, increased use of technology for curriculum and operations, and the merging of partnerships to expand education.
“I know the college will continue to grow and improve with the faculty, students, and staff,” said Dr. McDaniel. “ I am so supportive of the board and know how dedicated they all are to the students’ education.”

When Dr. McDaniel was asked what his plans for retirement were he said that he plans to move to Longview to be near his roots. This is where his wife, Kay, is from and it will allow him to live near his two sons and four grandchildren.

Dr. Sharp began at SPC in 1999 as dean of arts and sciences later promoted to vice president for academic affairs in January 2000. He has his bachelor of science degree in physics and mathematics, a master of arts degree in mathematics and a doctorate in higher education administration.

“I am very proud of Dr. McDaniel,” Dr. Sharp told the Plainsman Press. “He has had a very honorable career and has earned his retirement, He is a great friend and mentor and has really helped me personally in my career.”

Dr. Sharp, 47, said he is very excited about this new opportunity and that he is definitely looking forward to it.

“This is a great institution to be a part of,” Sharp added. “ It has a great faculty and staff that really cares about the students.”

Dr. Sharp said he has had the pleasure of working with Dr. McDaniel for five and a half years and says he has learned a lot about leadership from him. Dr. Sharp is to take office immediately and says he will be a hard person to get a hold of, working out of two offices for a while.

“I am very proud to accept the presidency of South Plains College,” Dr. Sharp told the SPC Board of Regents. “I pledge to continue to work hard to maintain our vision of improving each student’s life and to build upon the good things have been accomplished during Dr. McDaniel’s tenure.”
Dr. Sharp says that this a very promising institution and wants to assure students, faculty and staff that he will keep this institution in an upward motion as far as enrollment, actual growth of the Levelland campus in addition to off campus sites, and education opportunities.

Later in the meeting, the SPC Board of Regents talked of a new addition which will help finalize the north, south, east and west additions that SPC has wanted in as coverage area. Dr. Sharp will now follow up on McDaniel’s plan for this Plainview addition.

“We will continue all good things,” stated Dr. Sharp.

The staff of the Plainsman Press congratulates Dr. Sharp and we will sincerely miss Dr. McDaniel and appreciate all he has done for the college’s students, faculty and staff