SJRCC PRESS RELEASE May 2008 SJRCC president announces retirement St. Johns River Community College President Robert L. McLendon Jr., Ph.D. asked the College Board of Trustees Wednesday to begin the process of finding his replacement. McLendon will remain in office until a new president is appointed. McLendon recommended that the search be conducted in collaboration with the SJRCC Human Resources Office and without the assistance of a hired consultant. McLendon, the most senior president in the Florida Community College System, said the timing of his announcement coincides with the end of the fiscal year and the College's 50th anniversary. McLendon said the anniversary has given him a chance to reflect upon the College's progress and its future plans. "The vital signs are excellent," McLendon said. "Things will continue to look good for the College." Named the College's third president in 1972, McLendon, in his 36 years as president, oversaw the addition of Florida School of the Arts, campuses in Clay and St. Johns counties, the Criminal Justice Center at the St. Augustine Campus, the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts and the $13-million Health-Sciences Building at the Orange Park Campus. McLendon extended his gratitude to board members and administrators. "I deeply appreciate having had the opportunity to be of service to St. Johns River Community College. I have had the support of an outstanding Board of Trustees, and the College has been greatly helped by certain loyal and powerful legislators. We have also been blessed by exceptionally well-qualified faculty, staff and students who are a huge part of our success." The Marianna native has been in the Florida Community College System for 44 years, having begun his career as an instructor at Brevard Community College. He began his career at SJRCC as the Dean of Academic Affairs in 1966. Return to SJRCC home page.