THE Principal and Chief Executive of South West College (SWC), Michael McAlister, is retiring.

However, it is not yet certain when he will be officially stepping away from his duties with the college.

In a statement to The Impartial Reporter this week, two months before the new SWC Erne Campus is due to open in September, Nicholas O’Shiel, Chair of the Governing Body at SWC, confirmed Mr. McAlister's retirement.

Mr. O’Shiel said: “On behalf of the Governing Body, management and staff of the college, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Michael McAlister every good wish in his retirement."

He continued: “We are very grateful to Michael for his tremendous commitment, hard work and dedication to the staff, students and the whole Further Education sector over many years.

“Michael played a crucial role in working with other colleges, organisations and the Department of the Economy in promoting the benefits of further education to generations of young people across Northern Ireland."

Wishing Mr. McAlister a "very happy retirement", Mr. O'Shiel said: “I would like to take this opportunity to record our appreciation and thanks to Michael for his contribution to the college."

Mr. O'Shiel confirmed that the recruitment process to find a new Principal and Chief Executive "to lead the college in the future" will now begin.