Macomb Community College President James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D., has informed the college’s board of trustees that he plans to retire at the conclusion of the college’s current fiscal year, June 30, 2026. 

“I’m deeply appreciative of the trust that was placed in me to lead such an incredible institution for the past eight years,” said Sawyer. “I am proud of Macomb Community College’s many accomplishments during this time, and grateful for the support and dedication of the board of trustees, faculty and staff in shifting the college’s culture from access to student success. I believe the time is right for a new leader to bring fresh energy and ideas. I will be working to advance the vital work of the college during the remainder of my time at Macomb, while the board takes the steps to identify the institution’s next president.“ 

Sawyer has been Macomb’s president since July 1, 2017, after 15 years in progressively higher-level leadership roles at the college. He joined Macomb in 2002 as dean, Engineering and Advanced Technology, bringing 17 years of experience in leadership positions in engineering, quality and operations to his role. From dean, he was named vice provost for Career Programs before becoming provost and senior vice president of the Learning Unit (which is now called Academic and Workforce Education).  Sawyer earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, and a master’s in administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. 

“For almost nine years, the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees has been honored with the dedication, commitment and loyalty of Dr. James Sawyer,” said Katherine Bracey Lorenzo, chair, board of trustees. "Under his leadership, we’ve shared a journey that took higher education in previously inconceivable directions. From extensive online and remote learning options to incredible advances in the college’s skilled trades and manufacturing programs to responding to unprecedented federal mandates, we’ve seen Dr. Sawyer deftly problem-solve with integrity and a deep commitment to students, faculty, staff and community. We’ve flourished as a place of learning and belonging because of Dr. Sawyer. And, as he steps down, we celebrate a legacy of service, achievement and heart.” 

College highlights during Sawyer’s term as president include:

Keeping students moving forward during the pandemic.

• Held the health and safety of students and employees as the highest priority, followed by helping students continue to progress toward their academic goals.
• Converted to a comprehensive virtual operations model in response to state and federal closure orders, with on-ground classes converted to online within 10 days.
• Provided a range of student-focused supports including providing drive-up Wi-Fi in college parking lots, loaning laptops and getting federal emergency relief funds in the hands of students as quickly as possible.

Making transformational investments that create tangible opportunities and address needs.

• Established a new Dental Science program and state-of-the-art dental clinic in 2021 creating opportunities for residents to prepare for high-demand, well-compensated careers, to address talent shortages experienced by local dental practices and to respond to the displacement of more than 3,000 patients of a Macomb County preventive care clinic that closed.
• Launched Macomb Tuition Advantage in 2023, a tuition-free program designed to remove the financial barrier to earning a degree to those excluded from other tuition-free programs due to year of high school graduation, previous attempts at attending college or current residency.
• Opened Skilled Trades and Advanced Technology Center on college’s South Campus in Warren for the fall 2023 semester - a $45 million reimagining of the original 1968-era industrial education building into a state-of-the-art center for technical education. Represented the largest renovation in the college’s history as well as the largest capital outlay from the state of nearly $15 million.
• Secured a $15.4 Navy investment to create a state-of-the art maritime skilled trades training center with 24 CNC machines and 24 welding booths, providing residents with a pathway to jobs with great futures while helping address the Navy’s strategic needs and national security.

Enhancing safety and security on Macomb’s campuses.

• Established a shared culture of safety and security, bolstering relationships between college police, employees and students.
• Deployed access control technology across campuses, allowing immediate responses through a one-button lockdown of one building, a series of buildings or an entire campus.
• Completed Macomb College Police accreditation in 2024 – the 88^th law enforcement agency out of the 638 in state of Michigan and the sixth police department of a higher educational institution.
• Supported study of the college’s current camera system on campuses, resulting in an investment in an updated system that provides greater campus coverage, integration with college technology and adaptability to future upgrades. 

“My foremost priority and passion during my time at Macomb has always been student success,” said Sawyer. “As president, my favorite responsibility is shaking the hand of and congratulating each student during our two annual commencement ceremonies. I am very aware that each of them has changed the trajectory of their life by choosing the transformative power of education that we provide at Macomb. This knowledge and their joy of accomplishment is a compelling experience that I will always cherish. I am deeply grateful to have been part of Macomb Community College’s journey during the past 23 years.” 

The Macomb Community College Board of Trustees will be considering the process they will employ to select the college’s next president and will announce their plans when finalized. 

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning. 

Media Contact: Jeanne Nicol, nicolj@macomb.edu, 586.445.7204