Dr. Michael H. Gavin

Becoming college’s fifth president in the fall of 2021, Dr. Michael H. Gavin joined Delta with more than 20 years of experience at large community colleges and national recognition for his administrative leadership which focused on academic excellence and equity.

Dr. Gavin previously held the position of vice president of Learning at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. He also worked as a tenured professor of English at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) before accepting the role as the senior academic administrator at PGCC. In this role, he led efforts to align courses, general education and programs with a variety of high-impact practices focused on student success and completion.

Dr. Gavin has a doctorate in American studies from the University of Maryland in College Park, a master’s degree in literature from American University in Washington, D.C. and a bachelor’s degree in literature from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Gavin’s commitment to the community college mission shines through his work, not only as president of Delta College, but as a model for institutions of higher education across the country. Whether he’s serving on national or local boards or giving a keynote address on navigating attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in higher ed — Dr. Gavin reminds us that community colleges have the capacity to reshape the inequities in society. Equity is engrained in the community college mission, Delta’s mission.

Achievements, Awards and Initiatives

Institute for Citizens & Scholars, College Presidents for Civic Preparedness
Education for All
Author of The New White Nationalism in Politics and Higher Education
Author of Sports in the Aftermath of Tragedy
2017 Innovation of the Year Award
2021 – 2022 League Excellence Award
Paragon President award by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society – February 2023
Appointed Chair of MCCA Student Success Committee – July 2023
Aspen Institute’s New Presidents Fellowship – August 2022

In the media

Local

Hey, Bay City! Podcast
Hey, Bay City! – June 3, 2024

Delta College is growing in terms of students and programs
By Kathy Roberts
Route Bay City – November 16, 2023

Delta College’s Michael Gavin chosen for Paragon President Award
By Ricardo Quintanilla
Saginaw and Bay City Times – March 5, 2023

National

…and Education for All
By Ed Finkel
American Association of Community Colleges – Community College Daily – October 4 2024

A Missive about Love in Anti-DEI Contexts, and Education for All
Dr. Michael H. Gavin
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education – September 26, 2024

The Role of the Governing Board in Promoting Student Engagement and Responsibility
By George R. Boggs and Dr. Michael H. Gavin
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) – Trustee Quarterly, Fall 2024

'Fear hovering over us': As Florida dismantles DEI, some on campuses are pushing back
By Laura Pappano, Hechinger Report
USA Today – May 3, 2024

Racing Toward A Better Future – Preparing colleges, students for a complex future
By Dennis Pierce
American Association of Community Colleges – Community College Journal – April/May 2024

Leaders create informal support network amid DEI opposition
By Nikki Brahm
Insight into Diversity – March 20, 2024

Under siege, DEI officers strategize to fight back
By Katherine Mangan
The Chronicle of Higher Education – March 20, 2024

College Presidents are quietly organizing to support DEI
By Eric Kelderman
The Chronicle of Higher Education – January 29, 2024

Delta College President, Dr. Michael H. Gavin, to join #EquityChat on November 1, 2023
Equity Avengers – October 26, 2023

Community College Voice Podcast, Season 8, Episode 1
American Association of Community Colleges – September 20, 2023

Amid extremist attacks on higher ed, we must go beyond diversity and inclusion
By Dr. Michael H. Gavin
Truthout.org – August 13, 2023