BC3 board OK’s sabbatical for president starting in July
BUTLER TWP — The board of trustees for Butler County Community College approved President Nick Neupauer take a six-month paid sabbatical beginning in July, leading up to his planned retirement in December.
During that time, Neupauer will be a resource for his successor, board member Jennifer Pullar said at a meeting Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The sabbatical is in lieu of any paid leave Neupauer may have accumulated during his 17-year tenure, she said.
“A sabbatical is defined as a break from work,” Pullar said. “After close to 17 years as president, our board understands the need for Dr. Neupauer to separate from the demands of serving as president. Yet we also value his role to serve as a resource for a new president, for which Dr. Neupauer has enthusiastically agreed to do during this six-month sabbatical period.”
Neupauer has served longer than any BC3 president. Pullar noted on average, college presidents serve 5.9 years at their institution, citing a 2023 American Council on Education study published by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
Wednesday afternoon, the board shared that at the next meeting, set for March 20, they will provide a plan to replace Neupauer.
“As a board we pledge to ensure a smooth transition and maintain excellence,” Pullar said. “President Neupauer’s long, successful tenure, recognized locally and at the state and national level, is something that as a board, we believe can set a new precedent.”
