Executive Dean of Southwest Colorado Community College Norm Jones announced Monday he will be leaving his post at the end of July.

“I am proud to leave an outstanding team in place that is more than able to take this college forward and provide excellent education to the five counties we serve,” Jones said in a statement.

Jones has been in his leadership role over SCCC campuses in Mancos and Durango since January 2013 and plans to start working as a consultant in education when he leaves his position. These campuses are a part of the Pueblo Community College system and the campuses serve about 650 to 700 students.

The visibility and brand of the college is one of the challenges Jones faced when he started, and he feels that he has alleviated the problem through relationships with high schools.

“I think we’ve moved on the dial on that, no doubt,” he said.

Beginning July 1, Deborah “Sunny” Schmitt, PCC’s Chief Academic Officer, will serve as the Southwest Colorado Community College interim head to facilitate the transition.

PCC President Patty Erjavec said a nationwide search to fill the position on a permanent basis would begin immediately with hopes of having Jones’ successor in place by early fall.

“It is with sincere regret that I have accepted Norm’s resignation. I remain appreciative of his contributions to SCCC and wish him all the best as he looks forward to spending more time with family,” Erjavec said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com