FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System (MCCS) has appointed Michael Fischer, an associate vice president at Great Bay Community College in New Hampshire, as the next president of York County Community College. He will begin in March.

Fischer has held leadership roles for the last 12 years at Great Bay Community College, most recently as associate vice president of economic and community development, and as interim vice president of student success and enrollment management. Before that he served as Great Bay’s associate vice president of student affairs and college operations, and director of student life.
“I am honored to be selected as the next president of York County Community College,” Fischer said about his appointment. “The educational profession is one of the greatest and noblest callings because we have the ability to changes lives and shape communities. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty and staff at YCCC in helping our students learn the skills needed to be successful in work and life.”

While at Great Bay Community College, Fischer oversaw the launch of a new Student Success Center at the college, and led several initiatives to boost student enrollment. He served as special advisor to the president for the last two years, and led several fundraising campaigns.
Previous to his time at Great Bay Community College, Fischer worked at Hesser College in Manchester, New Hampshire for four years, serving as dean of students, and director of athletics. He also served as athletic director and men’s basketball coach at Notre Dame College in Manchester.

“I am very pleased to welcome Michael Fischer to this important role,” Board Chairwoman Jean Ginn Marvin said. “The board sought a leader with the vision and experience to meet the needs of both students and employers and expand the college’s role in the region. Mike’s hands-on leadership of student and institutional success efforts demonstrates his deep commitment to improving the lives of students through education and training.”

Fischer credits his own academic path as the inspiration behind his passion for working with students in higher education. He was the first in his extended family to go to college and the second to graduate from high school. His personal journey, he said, has served as the foundation for his student-centered approach and a belief that education has the power to transform lives and communities.

“Hard work, persistence, and education turned a kid from public housing into a college president. I hope that my appointment as president shows our students that anything is possible,” Fischer said.

Fischer, who is currently pursuing a doctorate, has a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning from Purdue University Global. He is scheduled to complete his Doctor of Education in Transformative Leadership through the University of New England in May.

Fischer serves on several local and state boards, including vice-chair of The Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, a small business collective. Fischer is the president of the board for the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Fischer was selected from an initial field of more than 50 candidates following a national search. He succeeds Dr. Barbara Finkelstein, who retired in June. Central Maine Community College President Scott Knapp has served as interim president, overseeing both colleges.
York County Community College, located in Wells, enrolls more than 1,600 students. It is one of seven colleges in the Maine Community College System.