Heartland Community College President Widmer to retire in 2018

Posted on September 22, 2017

By WJBC Staff

NORMAL – Heartland Community College President Rob Widmer has announced his retirement.

Widmer has served as Heartland’s president since 2013, the third in the college’s 26-year history.

“Certainly I have seen a lot and done a lot. in that period of time and I’m at a point in my career where it would be nice to spend a little more time with my family,” Widmer said of his four children and 10 grandchildren.

Widmer will officially retire in June 2018. He will leave having served over 40 years in Illinois higher education with 22 years at Heartland.

“Few people have had as much impact on Heartland Community College and higher education in our district than Rob Widmer,” said Board of Trustee President Gregg Chadwick. “He has relentlessly and tirelessly worked to secure Heartland’s rightful place as a pillar of this community and we wish him the best as he retires from the presidency at Heartland.”

Heartland Vice President of Business Services Doug Minter commended Widmer for his efforts leading the school through financial challenges stemming from the Illinois budget impasse.

“His steadfast commitment to the college might only be surpassed by his tremendous work ethic, integrity, and humility,” Minter said. “The Heartland campus would not be the invaluable resource it is today for students, employees and the community were it not for his vast knowledge of community colleges, skill in financial management, and trusted leadership.”

The Heartland Board of Trustees will convene in special session on Tuesday to discuss his retirement and plans for selection of a successor.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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