Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
IRONWOOD — The Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees approved the retirement request from Jim Vander Spoel, director of Ski Area Management, at their regular meeting on Feb. 28.
Vander Spoel began his career in 1979 as the first supervisor of Mt. Zion operations, and has served as director of the Ski Area Management program for the past 17 years. His retirement will be effective Oct. 20, 2023.
“His work for the college, and in the ski industry has gained international recognition and respect. The college, its ski area management students, and surrounding local and regional communities have benefited from working with Jim over the years. His knowledge, work ethic, and passion for instruction and ski operations, will be greatly missed,” said college president George McNulty.
Board members thanked Vander Spoel for his 44 years of service and dedication to the college and authorized administration to search for a new director of the SAM program.
Michelle Smith, of Bessemer, was hired as the new administrative assistant to the Allied Health director. Smith holds an associate degree from GCC. She will begin her duties on Monday.
In an effort to “serve students more effectively,” the board eliminated nine programs including: chemistry, dentistry, medicine, mortuary science, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and health information administration. The college will continue to offer chemistry and other classes related to these fields of study, but the students will instead major in general science instead of the above programs.
“All of these science related programs are aligned with our general science Associate of Science degree and this major provides a better pathway for students interested in pursuing a science-based degree, regardless of chosen field of specialization for transfer success,” said David Darrow, vice president of academics.
“This pathway allows the student to take specific courses depending on their background and interest, which broadens the student’s career path and gives them flexibility in pursuing multiple opportunities instead of one specific focus,” said a college press release. “The program will be individualized by working through the student’s advisor with a specific transfer institution in mind.”
The board also heard a program review on the welding certificate program by instructor Gary Gouin.
“The welding program, now in its 10th cohort, serves as a vibrant occupational certificate career path consisting of a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training that prepares student welders for job placement upon completion,” said Gouin.
The program offers certification in line with American Welding Society guidelines.
