The president of Black Hawk College is retiring after nearly 30 years with the school.
That means the college will have to come up with a plan to find a new leader by the end of year, as it also tries to cope with the state budget impasse.
Under Bettie Truitt's leadership the college has had to raise tuition and layoff staff as a result of the budget impasse.
Board of Trustees Chair Rick Fiems says Truitt will help the college pick a new president before she retires in December.
He's confident it'll be a smooth transition, but says Truitt's retirement is devastating.
"She has done a terrific job guiding the college through some very, very tough times," he said. "Especially with the way things are going in Springfield right now and their inability to pass a budget, we've had to make some very serious and long-lasting adjustments and Dr. Truitt has been there at the helm taking care of things and guiding the college through this mess and she has done an absolutely fantastic job."
She has served as president of the college since 2014, and spent her entire professional career in faculty and administrative roles at Black Hawk.