We were surprised to learn that Ronnie Nettles has announced his intention to retire in June from his position as president of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Nettles said his experience at Co-Lin has been tremendous.

“I think we’ve done a lot of great things and had a great team,” he said.

Nettles served the college as director of community and economic development on the Wesson Campus from 1994-1997. After serving as dean of the Natchez Campus 1997-2004, he returned to Wesson as executive vice president. Then in 2008, Nettles became president.

During his tenure as president, Co-Lin has seen growth in enrollment to record highs, a doubling of the Co-Lin Foundation’s endowment to more than $8 million, the establishment of new instructional programs and services that have increased graduation rates and construction of new buildings and other renovations on all three campuses.

“Everybody gets at that point in their career where they start thinking about when’s the right time to retire,” said Nettles, and for him the time is quickly approaching.

He said he was proud of his efforts to increase student enrollment to an all-time high of 3,799 in the fall of 2010, and acknowledges that his accomplishments are a reflection of the work of an outstanding faculty and staff.

We are glad that Nettles has made such a positive impact on the school, this part of the state and our community. His presence at the school will be missed, but his work will not be forgotten.

We look forward to how Nettles will continue to impact the community, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.