Deteriorating health forced Grays Harbor College President Dr. Jim Minkler into retirement earlier than he had planned.

Minkler’s retirement was announced at a college board of trustees meeting Wednesday morning.

“I was planning on going another year anyway, but I started having some health issues just before I started as president in 2016,” said Minkler. He said he had some tests done about a year and a half ago, which didn’t show anything too serious, but his health continued to deteriorate. He is finishing his fourth year at the college.

“The last several years, it’s been pretty challenging. It really started to get in the way of really being able to do my job, especially in a remote area where communications are so important,” said Minkler. Tasks most take for granted, like operating a mouse and keyboard, became more difficult, exacerbated by the amount of electronic communication that has had to take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“With the challenges the college is facing, and given my own health challenges, I decided wrapping up this year would be best for me,” said Minkler, “to take care of my health and for the college to find a president who can stay focused on the issues.”

The board of trustees is expected to hire an interim president at a meeting Monday afternoon.

Minkler has taken criticism from faculty and staff over issues like personnel decisions and accusations of creating a hostile work environment, voiced at recent board of trustees meetings. He said that was not a factor in his decision to retire. At Wednesday’s board of trustees meeting, the board stated its confidence in and support of Minkler as it accepted his retirement request.

“We all wish Jim the very best, especially as he works to improve his health,“ said board chairman Dr. Harry Carthum, on behalf of the GHC Board of Trustees. “2020 has brought some extraordinary issues, like budgets, smaller enrollments, COVID, shifting all classes online, to mention a few, along with a tremendous uncertainty each day. Jim coped with each issue but unfortunately, it has taken a toll on his health. “

Conversations with the board about his retirement began in earnest about a week prior to the announcement, said Minkler, who officially notified the board of his retirement Wednesday.

“I only came to that realization a week ago,” said Minkler, acknowledging that it was a difficult decision with short notice, but he’s “hoping it’s the right decision for all involved.”

The college itself, as all community and technical colleges, has faced major challenges in state funding uncertainty and lagging enrollment, especially in the face of a global pandemic.

“I came here in 2016 and (previous president Ed) Brewster handed off a college to me that was a comprehensive college in every way, and my hope was to hand it off in as good a shape to my successor as Brewster did to me,” said Minkler. “I can’t say that’s true now, but I am proud of the way the college was able to react to the pandemic crisis and turn the ship on a dime.”

He’s especially proud of the graduating class of 2020, which had a virtual graduation ceremony Friday.

“The graduating class of 2020 overcame a lot of obstacles,” said Minkler. “It’s been very tough on the students, and I really saw the college rise up and do all it could to get them through it. (The virtual graduation) is really special; maybe not as special as a physical ceremony, but in some ways there’s even more to celebrate, these graduates did a lot to get to the finish line.”

That was made possible by the college reacting quickly to state-mandated closures and restrictions, said Minkler, everyone from grounds and custodial staff to faculty, administration and student services.

Minkler said he appreciates the relationship he as college president was able to make within the community.

“It’s been nice being able to serve on different boards, being active with community groups and volunteering, and getting to know the community,” he said. “We have so many wonderful volunteers,” and he said appreciated working with all of them, including those who have worked on downtown Aberdeen beautification and working with Greater Grays Harbor Inc. on ways to promote the region.

“There are so many people who are involved in that work and it was a pleasure to get to know them and learn from them and work with them,” said Minkler. “I’ve really valued that experience. It’s not just the college I’ve come to know and love, but being able to be a part of the community and work toward the common good is something I will always look back on with fond memories.”

Minkler came to GHC after a lengthy career at the Community Colleges of Spokane.

Minkler said he’s confident the board will find an interim president to do his or her best for the college during very challenging times. He said there is a large pool of retired, highly qualified college presidents in the region, and the state board of community and technical colleges keeps track of them to fill vacancies like this when they come up.

“There are a number of presidents who have the experience and do step in on an interim basis,” said Minkler, adding, “The board has been wonderful, very supportive and understanding” as he faced his own health challenges.