FRANKENLUST TWP, MI – Michael Gavin has announced his resignation as president of Delta College, effective January 2026, to take on a role developing a national coalition to defend higher education.
The Delta College Board of Trustees was informed of Gavin’s decision Thursday, Sept. 25. According to the announcement, Gavin has been asked to play a significant role in positioning higher education to better align with democratic ideals while framing a national dialogue on the future of higher education.
College officials have not publicly commented on his decision to step down as president. Messages seeking comment from the president’s office and the college spokesperson were not immediately returned Monday, Sept. 29.
Gavin became the college’s fifth president when he succeeded longtime leader Jean Goodnow in the fall of 2021. He brought with him extensive experience in community college education, having served as vice president of Learning at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland and as a tenured English professor at Prince George’s Community College, also in Maryland.
Gavin became the subject of national headlines earlier this year when he became a leader in trying to preserve Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity in higher education.
The Delta College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting within the next two weeks to review the process and timeline for selecting Gavin’s successor. Details of that meeting have not yet been announced.