York County Community College names new president

Courtesy / York County Community College Michael Fischer has been named the next president of York County Community College in Wells.

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By Staff

After completing a nationwide search that drew more than 50 applicants, York County Community College in Wells has named a new president.

Michael Fischer, currently an associate vice president at Great Bay Community College in New Hampshire, will begin work as the leader of YCCC in March, the school said Wednesday. Fischer will succeed Barbara Finkelstein, who retired as president in June.

Part of the Maine Community College System, York County Community College enrolls more than 1,600 students.

Fischer has held leadership roles for the past 12 years at Great Bay, most recently as associate vice president of economic and community development and as interim vice president of student success and enrollment management. Previously, he served as Great Bay’s associate vice president of student affairs and college operations and director of student life.

“I am honored to be selected as the next president of York County Community College,” Fischer said in a news release.

He added that the education profession "is one of the greatest and noblest callings because we have the ability to changes lives and shape communities." He said he looks forward to working with faculty and staff at York County Community College in helping students learn the skills needed to succeed in work and life.

The first in his extended family to go to college and the second to graduate from high school, Fischer credits his own academic path as the inspiration for his work in higher education.

“Hard work, persistence and education turned a kid from public housing into a college president. I hope that my appointment as president shows our students that anything is possible," he said.

Doctoral candidate and board roles

Fischer has an undergraduate degree in human services from Springfield College and a graduate degree in teaching and learning from Purdue University Global.

He expects to complete his education doctorate in transformative leadership at the University of New England in May.

Fischer serves on several local and state boards. His roles include vice-chair of the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth and board resident for the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association.