For immediate release: July 2, 2012
Contacts:   Morna Foy, 608-266-2449, morna.foy@wtcsystem.edu
                 Dan Clancy, 608-266-7983, dan.clancy@wtcsystem.edu

Technical College System President Clancy announces retirement

         MADISON – Dan Clancy announces his retirement as President of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS). President Clancy will step down effective September 14, 2012, following a 16-year tenure, including the past eight years as system president. From 1996 to 2004, Clancy served as vice president, Finance, Planning and Policy. His 33-year service with the State of Wisconsin also includes a distinguished career with the Legislative Fiscal Bureau where he was well known for his expertise in K-12 school finance and higher education policy. "Reflecting back," Clancy said, "I’ve had the good fortune to be able to spend my career working with outstanding colleagues and exceptional organizations in a state that values public service."

         President Clancy, has overseen significant changes and accomplishments in technical college outcomes and in the size and scope of WTCS programs. During his tenure, WTCS enrollments grew 40 percent, creating a more diverse student population in preparation, expectations, needs and educational goals.

         The emergence of new industries such as biotechnology and green energy and the transition of core industries such as manufacturing and agriculture into advanced technology operations transformed the state. In response, the WTCS continually modifies its program offerings to align with job opportunities and delivers programs in ways that help students gain skills quickly and move seamlessly between high school and college and work and college, without repeating effort. "Our strong industry and education relationships help us anticipate and address changing workforce needs. The WTCS has great partnerships with Wisconsin’s K-12 system, the University of Wisconsin System, private colleges and universities and Wisconsin employers," stated Clancy. "I want to personally thank these organizations for their continued support." Clancy added, "The last few years have been tough for Wisconsin’s economy and communities, but I am honored and proud to have contributed to WTCS initiatives that are helping to move Wisconsin forward. We’ve delivered improved student outcomes with high placement rates and greater numbers of students advancing in their education and career paths. Credit for these accomplishments goes to our System’s governing boards, both at the state and district level, the leadership at our 16 technical colleges and the faculty and staff across the state. By working together, we have leveraged our resources to respond to Wisconsin’s workforce needs."

         "President Clancy’s leadership, vision and ability to execute a bold, business- and economic-driven strategic plan has secured a bright future for Wisconsin’s workforce development and economic growth," stated Wisconsin Technical College System Board Chair Mark Tyler. "Dan has built a strong professional System staff comprised of experts focused on administrative accountability and responsiveness, curriculum development, public policy advocacy and student engagement. His collegial and focused leadership style recognizes the unique attributes of each of the 16 technical colleges and harnesses their collective effort to address the education and workforce needs of the entire state," Tyler added.

        " I have thoroughly enjoyed my years with the WTCS and the privilege of working with my colleagues in the System, Legislature, and state government. My immediate future plans include spending more time with my wife and two sons, visiting members of my larger Clancy clan, conquering a marathon and exploring volunteer opportunities," stated Clancy. Over the next few months, Clancy will help the WTCS Board craft a state budget request for the 2013-15 biennium and implement the Board’s new strategic directions. The WTCS Board will discuss the process for finding Clancy’s successor at its July meeting in Superior.

         Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges offer more than 450 programs, awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas and apprenticeships.. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized training and technical assistance to Wisconsin’s business and industry community. More than half of all adults in Wisconsin have accessed the technical colleges for education and training. The technical colleges have been making futures for 100 years. Learn more at www.witechcolleges.org

         President Clancy’s list of accomplishments:

• Making program and training changes that meet the needs of business and dislocated workers. Of this, President Clancy said, "The link between the success of our graduates and the success of Wisconsin businesses is what I am most proud of after being part of the WTCS over the last 16 years."
• Managing record WTCS student enrollments and ensuring that the WTCS is a welcoming place where all learners can succeed; even as learners are more diverse in terms of age, economic status, educational readiness, background, gender and race.
• Emerging as a national leader in the development of Career Pathways so that adult learners and high school students alike can attain valuable credentials more quickly and cost-effectively.
• Building partnerships with business and industry to boost the skilled workforce essential to repairing and growing Wisconsin’s economy.
• Increasing the number of opportunities for high school students to earn postsecondary credit while still in high school; thus getting a jump on a credential and career readiness.
• Maintaining a consistently strong job placement rate for WTCS graduates, even during the worst recession in recent history.
• Responding to the retraining needs of tens of thousands of dislocated workers.
• Celebrating the WTCS Centennial, promoting the WTCS status as the nation’s first statewide system of support for career and technical education.
• Answering the call of employers for assistance in sharpening the skills of incumbent workers by creating the highly popular and successful Workforce Advancement Training Grant program.
• Advocating with federal elected officials and administrators to guide legislation and policy regarding federal program integrity thereby protecting access to educational benefits and programs for Wisconsin veterans and helping reduce new federal regulation burdens on colleges.
• Helping ensure colleges understand complex and changing federal requirements so they can comply as needed to ensure continued access to federal financial aid for WTCS students.
• Increasing opportunities for WTCS students – including students of color – to continue their education of baccalaureate and advanced degrees.
• Expanding and enhancing flexible learning options including, online, weekend, evening and modular programs.
• Maintaining affordability to help Wisconsinites earn credentials for solid employment prospects without saddling them with debt.
• Modernizing the System’s associate of applied science degree to make it more applicable to the changing and emerging needs of business and industry and students who are balancing competing demands.
• Transforming the delivery of adult basic education through greater integration with practical occupational training (the RISE Initiative) to help students with additional challenges to success more quickly progress into postsecondary learning options.
• Leading sustainable practices to ensure that the future workforce helps business and industry meet the challenges of more cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable operations and activities.

         President Clancy serves on several boards and commissions, including:

• The National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges
• The National Association of State Directors of Career and Technical Education
• Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment
• Governor’s Council on College and Workforce Readiness
• PK-16 Leadership Council
• Competitive Wisconsin Board
• Wisconsin Technology Council
• Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership Board
• Northwest Manufacturing Outreach Center Board