As Dr. Michael Gavin settles into his first semester as President of Delta College, he took time to describe his goals, what brought him to the Great Lakes Bay Region and what he hopes to accomplish as Delta’s fifth president.

What initially interested you in Delta College? 

I was familiar with Delta through my work with the League for Innovation in the Community College. When I saw the position, I thought it would be a good match. I was looking for positions at the presidential level, especially at colleges that focus on student success and diversity. 

The questions that were asked during the interview process revealed the values of Delta, which are central to my values. It just seemed like a great fit. When I was offered the job, I was ready to commit. 

What are your top priorities during your first six months as President? 

As a relationship-based leader, I want to get to know as many people as possible. Knowing where higher education sits in the national, regional and statewide landscape, I would like to lay a foundation for the college of tomorrow so Delta is positioned to meet the demands of students now and in the future. 

Long term, another goal is to ensure that there are no gaps in equity and completion for our students. We’ll build off Delta’s strong foundation, so in several years, we’ll deliver the promise of making sure all students who want an education can get it. There’s incredible talent here at Delta, so I am confident we can achieve those goals. 

Are there particular goals you would like to reach in your first 100 days? 

I want to make sure I’ve laid out a vision that is broad enough that people can see themselves in it and help achieve it. I’ve made some great connections so far and that work will only continue. I’m committed to learning more about the three counties Delta serves and how the college can work to ensure we’re providing full access to educational opportunities for all residents. 

What challenges do students face today?

At the broader level, there’s a discourse out there that college is very expensive. We can look at that as an opportunity at Delta College. Even though cost can be prohibitive, I think Delta is the answer to that question. 

Another challenge is how the U.S. is experiencing a wider division of higher class and lower class and the subsequent effects on higher education. One example is that more and more people are food insecure, including our students. The challenges students are facing today are very real and not associated with education, so we need to address those challenges through partnerships and collaborations. 

Finally, students of all ages need mental health support. I think the mental health of so many has been exacerbated as a result of the pandemic. Recognizing that students are whole human beings, with families, jobs and responsibilities, is something we can think about and find ways to address. 

What’s something exceptional about Delta that the community might not recognize or may take for granted? 

I’ve been lucky enough in the last several months to meet with many people from the community and Delta. Each and every person I’ve met is passionate about students and their success. They are all thinking about how to provide opportunities for students and its citizens to live their best lives, and in many of the conversations I’ve had, they say that’s through education. That mindset is not true everywhere. It’s very special. 

What leaders or mentors inspire you? 

Since I’m a words and language person, I really like the rhetoric of President Barack Obama. In the higher education arena, I enjoy University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Freeman Hrabowski’s inspirational speaking and writing, as well as his work to boost African American student achievement. 

I keep these four mantras saved in my phone as reminders: Be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; and always do your best. They are from Don Miguel-Ruiz’s The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. 

What do you enjoy most about working in higher education? 

I truly believe that community colleges have a role in delivering on the American promises of equity and social justice. That’s what we’re doing and I feel good about the work that’s being done. To me, there’s not a distinction between community college and social justice – they are one and the same. I see promise in the work that we do. 

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A few of his favorite things

Book or author
James Baldwin’s Sonny’s Blues, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man and anything by Tim O’Brien or Cormac McCarthy. 

TV show
West Wing and Law and Order. 

Music
Alternative rock, like O.A.R. (especially their old stuff!) and Dave Matthews Band. My wife and I like to listen to rock, country and ‘90s hip-hop. 

Vacation spot
My family and I experienced our favorite vacation this summer when we visited Lake Lure in North Carolina. There’s hiking, kayaking and the lakes are nicely temperate. 

Hobbies
I love the Chicago Cubs (I’m from Chicago) and my favorite college football team is University of Michigan. I like playing the guitar, but I’m terrible. I would love to become a gardener someday.