Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) president Dr. Donald W. Snyder plans to retire Dec. 31.

Snyder told the LCCC Board of Trustees of his retirement plans Sept. 5.

Snyder said he had planned to retire in summer 2014, but health concerns forced him to reconsider.

"I faced open heart surgery and related health issues during the past eight months but looked forward to accomplishing my remaining goals over the next year.

"Last week [the week of Aug. 25], however, I was advised that I face yet another health challenge this one with cancer.

"Unfortunately, this diagnosis will require another medical leave for surgery," Snyder told the trustees.

"Much of the past week has been spent reviewing options and talking with my family. In reaching a decision, there was a need to take into consideration what is necessary for a full recovery of my health as well as what is in the best interest of the future of the college."

Ken Mohr, chair of the LCCC Board of Trustees, said the trustees plan to appoint senior vice president, Dr. Ann Bieber, as interim president Jan. 1, 2014 - Aug. 31, 2014, and that Bieber has agreed to serve as acting president while Snyder is on medical leave this fall.

The trustees knew of Snyder's original retirement date of August 2014 and planned to conduct a search for a new leader for LCCC to take over on Sept. 1, 2014.

"We will continue with that plan and conduct a search," Mohr said.

Snyder, 61, has been LCCC's president since September 2000. Previously, he spent 20 years as a state representative of Pennsylvania's 134th District, including leadership positions as the House Republican Policy Chairman from 1995 - 1996 and as House Majority Whip from 1997 - 2000.

"Serving LCCC has been a privilege and an honor," Snyder said.

"I'm proud to have been a part of LCCC's focus on bringing to our students the very best in academics and a rich, rewarding jump-start on their careers.

"We provide college access to community members of all backgrounds who seek enrichment and enhanced employment opportunities," he said.

"Building strong partnerships and services to benefit the sponsoring school districts and career technical institutes by creating college and career pathways for their high school students and residents has been a driving force for my administration," Snyder said.

"I am proud of the college's strength and flexibility in adapting its curriculum to meet the ever-changing needs of the workforce of Lehigh, Schuylkill and Carbon counties."

Under Snyder's guidance, LCCC added a state-of-the-art new campus in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County; expanded the college's presence at LCCC Allentown at the Donley Center; and implemented a distance learning program which now represents more than 14 percent of total enrollment.

LCCC expanded dual enrollment programs with sponsoring school districts with college courses for high school students.

Snyder provided direction for the integration of LCCC education services into a key workforce development, economic partner and community builder. Snyder emphasized customer service and student success throughout the college.

Completed construction projects on the Schnecksville, North Whitehall Township, main campus during Snyder's tenure include the Student Union and Technology Center, Community Services Center conference and academic facility, Wellness Center, Educational Support Services wing, and renovation of the college's former library building to include a Business Enterprise Center, expanded bookstore and food services area.

The college transformed the former Intermediate Unit administration offices into the Rothrock Library and Learning Center and created the nationally-acclaimed Fowler Education Center.

The Administration Building is being renovated to provide more efficient student services and expanded college transfer and veterans services centers.

State-of-the-art technology was added throughout the college and main campus facilities were upgraded and refurbished, including a new pedestrian mall, athletic fields and campus-wide landscaping.

Snyder is credited with developing the partnership with the John E. Morgan Foundation, fulfilling the Morgan Foundation's desire to fully fund an associate degree for graduates of Tamaqua High School.

"When I started as LCCC's president, the majority of our students attended part-time and only a small percentage continued their education with four-year institutions.

"We sought to provide greater opportunities for seamless transfers through partnerships with many public and private colleges and universities several of whom now offer baccalaureate degree programs on our campus, including the state's first bachelor of applied science degree program developed in partnership with Bloomsburg University and a mechatronics engineering degree with Temple University."

Snyder said of this critical component of his administration. "This empowers Lehigh Valley residents to continue their education with an excellent four-year institution while enabling them to continue to live and work in the Lehigh Valley."

Mohr had high praise for Snyder in a prepared statement:

"Dr. Snyder has served Lehigh Carbon Community College with distinction with his long-time advocacy of an affordable, high quality education; his outreach to the academically underserved of the Lehigh Valley; and for his untiring efforts on behalf of the more than 300,000 students who enrolled in credit and noncredit programs during his tenure."

"Dr. Snyder's leadership is evident in the major construction projects and renovations completed to the main campus in Schnecksville and to the facilities in Tamaqua and Allentown which transformed LCCC into an academic powerhouse more than doubling enrollment, with a 10-fold increase in scholarship aid, and a 20-fold increase in the college's endowment through the college's Foundation.

"The Board of Trustees is deeply grateful for his commitment and determination to see LCCC students succeed."

Snyder is a 1971 graduate of LCCC with an associate degree in business administration. He was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 1981 and received LCCC's Collegiate Award of Distinction in 1997

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University, an MBA from Lehigh University, a juris doctor from Villanova University School of Law and a Master of Laws in Commerce and Taxation from the Dickinson School of Law.

He has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the regional Chief Executive Officer award from the Association of Community College Trustees, was recognized by Ernst & Young as regional Entrepreneur of the Year and was a national award nominee for the same.

Snyder was named Entrepreneurial President of the Year by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and served as chair of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities.

He lives in South Whitehall with his wife, Nancy.

"I look forward to continuing my involvement with the college in the coming years, continuing to grow community partnerships and strengthening LCCC's alumni relations," Snyder said.