SPINDALE, N.C. (AP) - Former Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton will retire early next year as president of a western North Carolina community college he’s led since shortly after his 2012 gubernatorial defeat.
Isothermal Community College in Spindale said on Monday that Dalton told faculty and staff by email of his decision to step down this coming February.
Dalton, 71, is a Rutherford County Democrat and former state senator who was elected lieutenant governor in 2008. He won his party’s nomination for governor in 2012 but lost to Republican Pat McCrory later that year.
Dalton became Isothermal’s president in May 2013 and this year serves as leader of the North Carolina Community College Presidents’ Association.
Writing to Isothermal’s trustees last week, Dalton cited the desire to spend time with family for his retirement decision. He cited several new programs at the community college under his tenure, including equine studies, dental assisting and a four-year nursing program with Western Carolina University.
“His devotion and commitment to Isothermal have been so valuable,” board Chairman Roger Jolly said in a statement. “He will be sorely missed and we have a big job ahead of us to fill his shoes.”
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