Dr. Larry Keen, president of Fayetteville Technical Community College for nearly 15 years, announced that he plans to retire next year.

Keen joined FTCC as the College’s president in August of 2007, succeeding Dr. Larry Norris, who retired after ten years.

“To say this is bittersweet would be an understatement,” Keen wrote in a letter to the FTCC’s Board of Trustees.

He thanked the board “for the incredible opportunity” to have served as FTCC’s fourth president and said the College is financially secure, academically strong and dedicated to continuous improvement.

Keen said he plans to continue to work hard until he retires.

"I'll be with you for another year," he told the board. "If anyone expects me to be a lame duck, they're expecting the wrong thing."

David Williford, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said Keen will be missed when he leaves.

"It is with great sadness that we hear this news," Williford said. "We appreciate your knowledge and your leadership. We wish you the very best."