NW-SCC President Humphrey Lee announces retirement
Northwest-Shoals Community College President Humphrey Lee announced recently he will retire Dec. 31 after leading the college for the past 14 years.
“I love the NW-SCC family and the commitment each of you show toward educating our students and improving the quality of life in our community,” Lee said in announcing his retirement to teachers, last week. “I have devoted almost 43 years of my life to working in education, and I think it is time to enjoy the next phase of my life, which includes spending more time with my family.”
Lee turned 66 earlier this month and will finish his 14th year as president of NW-SCC in December. Prior to his time at NW-SCC, he served more than 29 years at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa. Lee holds a doctorate in higher education administration, master’s degree in Ccounseling and guidance and bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Alabama.
Lee has made workforce development his primary focus since coming to NW-SCC in 2004. Through his leadership, NW-SCC has constructed and renovated career technical training facilities in areas such as automotive service technology; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); machine tool (on Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses); salon and spa management; and welding (on Phil Campbell campus).
Additionally, NW-SCC has started new programs such as cyber security, injection molding technology and medical assisting technology. All of this was accomplished under the newly-structured Workforce Solutions division of the college.
Associate dean of instructional programs Dr. Tim James said he thinks this commitment to career technical programs and workforce development has been Lee’s greatest impact to the school.
“I think we’ve done a lot while he’s been president, at both campuses,” James said. He pointed particularly to expansion of career tech at Phil Campbell in welding and machine tool. “I think that’s been a great contribution to students in our area and even local industries.”
Lee said he hopes to continue to play a vital role in the growth of the community in retirement.
“I have always encouraged our faculty and staff to be active in the community,” said Lee. “I hope to continue that even after my retirement.”
Lee served in numerous roles throughout the years, including chairman of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the Shoals Economic Development Authority and Shoals Entrepreneurial Center.
As a result of Lee’s vision, funding has been secured for a new workforce training center. “With the new workforce center on the horizon, I’m excited for the College,” said Lee. “Northwest-Shoals will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I look forward to seeing all the great things the College will accomplish in the near future.”
James said Lee has always been supportive of NW-SCC students and brought a positive atmosphere to campus.
“He could get along with anybody. I appreciate that because positivity breeds positivity,” James said. “I really hate to see him go. He has been a good friend. I wish him the best.”
