The president of Johnston Community College has announced that he will retire in 2009.

Dr. Donald L. Reichard announced his retirement Thursday morning.

"I will never be able to adequately express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great institution over the last 10 years," Reichard said n a press release. "The epitome of my 37 years in community college education has been the pleasure to work at JCC among such dedicated faculty, staff, and trustees."

Dr. Reichard is the second president in JCC's history. He joined the College in 1999 after serving as president of James Sprunt Community College for 10 years.

Some of his achievements include Wachovia President of the Year in 2007 and he served as president of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents from 2006-07. Gov. Mike Easley awarded Reichard the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state's highest civilian honor, in 2002.

Riechard's retirement will be effective July 1, 2009.