Don MacMaster

ALPENA — Alpena Community College President Don MacMaster recently received a raise from the ACC Board of Trustees after his annual evaluation.

The evaluation took place during a closed session of the board on June 20.

Effective July 1, MacMaster’s performance has earned him a raise in total compensation from $198,190 a year to $207,197, reflecting a roughly 4% increase aligned with ACC’s other employee raises.

Addressing the Board of Trustees, MacMaster emphasized his role in steering ACC’s financial stability, maintaining a savings account equal to 30% of expenses across the general fund and maintenance/replacement funds, and advancing key initiatives such as securing $4 million for student housing.

In his self-assessment of his performance, MacMaster detailed ongoing projects like construction of the college’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence, expanding and upgrading equipment for welding and manufacturing, and the successful rollout of esports, ACC’s seventh intercollegiate athletic sport.

He also discussed challenges, including the ongoing pursuit of capital outlay funding and the need to enhance fundraising efforts to reach a $50 million target.

MacMaster told the board he successfully met all established goals in the past school year, marking another year of growth for ACC.

The college has recorded a 4% increase in enrollment over the last fiscal year.

MacMaster reiterated his dedication to fostering positive relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders, facilitating strategic planning processes, and overseeing comprehensive budgeting.

Looking forward, MacMaster expressed optimism about ACC’s future, citing ongoing partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and community engagement.

As he prepares for a new three-year contract starting July 1, MacMaster said he remains committed to advancing ACC’s educational mission and serving the diverse needs of its students and stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees unanimously endorsed his continued tenure and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate future challenges and opportunities for ACC.

ACC Trustee Lisa Hilberg also highlighted a list of strengths she believes MacMaster demonstrated in his tenure as president of ACC: maintaining strong legislative relationships at both the federal and state levels, successful planning and carry-through, cultivating resources and revenues, maintaining strong relationships, and staying current with what is needed in the community.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect that MacMaster’s total annual compensation increased July 1 from $198,190 to $207,197. That information was incorrect in an earlier version of this story.

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.