Northeastern Junior College appoints new president

STERLING, CO -- Northeastern Junior College has appointed a new President, with Mike White taking over the role on January 31st.

White is from Denver, and his wife is from Sterling. White says he has a personal connection to the community. 

White said his background in the Navy has prepared him for this position. White spent his last few tours for the Navy in technical education for sailors and Marines. 

"I had a real passion for higher education, career technical education. As I left my time in the Navy and the Federal government I really was interested in a Junior college in particular because of career technical education. I am just so blessed that an opportunity worked to be here, where we happened to have close family connections" says White.

In less than a month, White has already immersed himself into the community. NJC faculty members say that White eats lunch with students everyday.

"I have really enjoyed meeting the students and of course the faculty and staff that take such great care of them. Its energizing to see them grow in their passion and be ready for them to move onto their next adventure, whether its further college or into the career fields"

White said his goal for the college is to grow the student population. 

"Any large organization has its challenges. As we look at revenue, there's decreasing enrollment across all colleges right now and those are areas for us to focus on and make sure we can continue to bring great students here so they can excel" White says.

Overall, White said he is delighted to be in Sterling and a part of the community.

"To see the passion that the entire community has for the college, athletics, arts, and the agriculture department has really situated well and with that kind of energy I just think its a place for so much opportunity" White says.