Sara Varela
Editor-in-chief
Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr. announced that he will retire after 10 years of servitude. Armstrong made the announcement at December’s Board of Trustees meeting. During the next six months, the board will hold a national search to determine his successor as his retirement will be effective starting June 30, 2018.
“It is not easy to walk away from a job that has brought me such professional and personal satisfaction,” said Armstrong. “However, I feel confident that, with all the organization has achieved, the timing is right.”
Over the past 10 years, Armstrong’s leadership brought the college national recognition for student success, enrollment increase, a variety of academic programs, and much more.
BC has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Top 10 College in the Nation twice over the past five years, and during the 2017 awards, it was awarded the Finalist with Distinction honor which consisted of a $100,000 prize. The College is again in the running for the prestigious recognition for 2019.
Additionally, BC has ranked in several different national lists, including second in the nation for “50 Best Community Colleges of 2017” and “Top 5 Online Community Colleges for 2017.”
Among the accomplishments under Armstrong’s presidency also are an increase in overall enrollment from 47,000 to 64,000 students, over 91,000 graduates, 289 students transferred to Ivy League institutions, and the creation of 12 bachelors’ degrees including nursing, teaching and other high-demand STEM programs.
BC has also become the number one institution in awarding industry certifications. Additionally, the College ranks second in the nation as the college with the most students awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.
“These last 10 years have seen great success at the College and, for that, we can all be proud,” he said.
Armstrong also shared his plans and intentions after retirement, which will primarily focus on returning to school to finish his doctoral work.
“I want to take a year or two to work on postgraduate studies and scholarship in areas where I have interests,” he said. “I have become fascinated by the growth and development of Asia, China, and Vietnam, in particular, and I’d like to explore these new interests and refresh my knowledge in the areas of international relations and higher education management.”
Part of his long-term plans include returning to BC as a faculty member as well as venturing into business opportunities. After announcing his retirement, Armstrong received the praise of many in the education community.
“President Armstrong has left an indelible mark on our state’s higher education system. His unparalleled commitment to our South Florida community is truly admirable, as is his work to strengthen our region’s workforce,” said Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College.
“David Armstrong is a transformative leader. Under his stewardship, Broward College has accelerated into a nationally recognized preeminent state college. More importantly, David has served with a servant’s heart to ensure that all young people in Broward have the skills they need to find meaningful work and pursue their dreams,” said U.S Senator George LeMieux.