The Tyler Junior College Board of Trustees, pictured with the college's new president Dr. Juan Mejia.Front, from left: Mike Coker, TJC board president; Dr. Juan E. Mejia, newly named TJC president; Rohn Boone, TJC board first vice president; second row, TJC trustees Clint Roxburgh; Lonny Uzzell; Dr. Joe Prud’homme; David Hudson; Peggy Wagstaff Smith, TJC board second vice president; and John Hills. Not pictured: TJC trustee Ann W. Brookshire. (Courtesy)

It was a bittersweet day at Tyler Junior College as the TJC community thanked Chancellor Mike Metke for his years of service before the board of trustees finalized Dr. Juan Mejia’s appointment as the seventh president of the college.

Metke will retire at the end of June after 12 years of serving the college and overseeing record growth.

During the meeting, the college surprised Metke with a resolution honoring him, a new plaque celebrating his legacy of leadership that highlights presidents of colleges all over the nation whom he has mentored, and a video from honors students thanking him for his guidance and encouragement.

Metke is retiring as the college is wrapping up its Vision 2020 strategic plan. His career in education has spanned 44 years.

During his tenure he has led the college through the country’s worst financial collapse since the Great Depression and to record enrollment in the years that followed.

He also has helped transform the college to a Level II accredited institution, allowing it to grant baccalaureate degrees. 

Metke also helmed the college’s Promise program, which has over 3,000 high school students in its tax district set to earn full two-year scholarships. The college set a $20 million goal to fund the program and also received a $19 million gift from the Gatewood family for Presidential Honors scholarships.

Metke was granted the title of chancellor in 2018 amid the college’s growth to five locations in the area.

“At the end of (the journey), you look back and think, ‘Wow, look at what we did together,’” he said. “You kind of marvel at how much you were able to accomplish. It’s been an amazing journey together.”

Metke will be succeeded by Mejia, whom he has counted as a friend for nearly three decades.

“You’re about to discover what this gentleman can do,” Metke said. “He’s an amazing person and he’s going to take TJC to new heights.”

Mejia has served at TJC since 2013, serving most recently as district provost and president for branch locations.

With Metke’s departure, the board is once again retiring the chancellor mantle. Metke is only the second person to ever hold that title at TJC. The board also voted to discontinue the use of Mejia’s current title. He will assume the office of president on July 1.

To celebrate the changes, the college set up a candy bar outside the board room in White Administrative Services building, with a cake featuring the Metkes in his beloved 1926 Model T.

Metke also said he had a parting gift for the college, revealing that he plans to donate the Model T to be used for a future fundraiser.

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