Courtesy / Central Maine Community College
Scott Knapp, president of Central Maine Community College in Auburn, will retire Aug. 31.
July 8, 2020
CMCC president to retire at summer's end
By Staff
Maine Community College System President David Daigler announced Tuesday that Scott Knapp, president of Central Maine Community College in Auburn, will retire Aug. 31.
Knapp, who took office in August 1997, has overseen a tripling of the college’s enrollment, the bolstering of technical programs offerings, and the addition of three new campus buildings and an athletic complex.
“Scott proudly regards CMCC as the crown jewel of the Maine Community College System,” Daigler said.
“With strong financial stewardship, ever increasing enrollments, championship-caliber programs and a loyal and dedicated staff, his leadership has guided CMCC to an enviable place in Maine and in the country.”
Knapp, the longest-serving college president in Maine, said some of his proudest moments have come in recent months.
“While the college has experienced tremendous growth over the past 23 years, none of this could have been accomplished without the contributions of our dedicated faculty and staff, as well as the generosity of the leadership of the state of Maine and her citizens,” he said. “I am especially proud of the nearly 500 students who overcame numerous obstacles and graduated this spring.”
Tripled enrollment
Knapp spearheaded the college’s expansion to a full community college and saw enrollment triple to more than 3,000 students. CMCC has more than 40 programs today, including offerings in network security and computer forensics, criminal justice, plumbing and heating technology and HVAC/R.
He oversaw the opening of the Lapoint Center, which houses classrooms and computer labs; Rancourt Hall residence facility; a new nursing simulation lab; renovation of Jalbert Hall to include the early childhood education area; a new, state-of-the-art criminal justice lab; and renovation of the graphic communications classrooms.
In 2015, the college opened the Learning Tower, a four-story academic facility that houses case-study rooms, presentation and seminar rooms, and an organic chemistry lab. The lab was instrumental to the success of the college transfer agreement with the University of New England. Last year CMCC added an e-sports arena and a lighted, synthetic-turf, athletic complex.
A search for the next president will launch in the spring.
CMCC Vice President Betsy Libby will serve as interim president for the 2020-21 academic year.
Libby has worked at CMCC since 2006. In addition to serving as acting president, she has been dean of academic affairs, dean of student services, director of admissions and an adjunct faculty member.
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