Maine Community College System (MCCS) President David Daigler has announced that he plans to step down from his position by the end of the 2026-27 academic year.

Daigler has been president since 2019 and has been working for the system since 2003.

Daigler notified the MCCS Board of Trustees on Wednesday during their regular meeting held at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC).

“It’s the right time for the system, the state, and me personally,” said Daigler.

“We have new state leadership coming in, we have successfully made the Maine Free College scholarship permanent, our workforce programming is incredibly robust, and our leadership team is strong,” he said.

“Together we have ensured that Maine’s community colleges are delivering on their promise to be affordable, accessible,” he said, “and the single best way for Mainers to get the skills they need for good jobs in today’s economy.”

“It has been my greatest privilege to work alongside the outstanding people at Maine’s community colleges to make these colleges, our communities, and the entire state a more prosperous, kind, and supportive place for all,” said Daigler. “The power of education to transform the lives of those striving to improve and become more informed and engaged citizens cannot be underestimated.”

Daigler also noted during his remarks that by notifying the board now of his intention to step down, it ensures that the members have time to conduct a thorough search and smoothly transition to his replacement.

The board will begin searching for a new president immediately.

Click Here to Read the Full MCCS Press Release

Sen. Susan Collins (R) reacted to Daigler’s announcement in a press release shared Thursday, praising him for the work he has done in the role over the past several years.

“Dave Daigler has been an exceptional president of the Maine Community College System and a tireless advocate for Maine students and educators,” said Sen. Collins. “I have always appreciated his steady leadership, deep understanding of Maine’s workforce needs, and commitment to expanding educational opportunities across our state.”

“Under President Daigler’s leadership, Maine’s community colleges have strengthened their role as engines of economic growth, now serving more than 33,000 people each year,” she said.

“I’ve appreciated working with Dave to expand short-term workforce training programs, strengthen Pell Grants and the TRIO program, and make important investments to modernize and develop new infrastructure, equipment, and programs throughout the system,” Collins continued.

“His work has helped tens of thousands of Mainers gain the skills they need to succeed while supporting the businesses and communities that depend on a well-trained workforce,” said Collins. “I thank Dave for his years of dedicated service to the State of Maine and wish him all the best in his future retirement.”

Click Here to Read Sen. Collins’ Full Statement