Dr. Scott Mertes
In June 2026, Dr. Mertes was appointed as the 8th President of Mid Michigan College after more than two decades of distinguished service to the institution.
Since joining the College in 2005 as Registrar, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Director of Admissions & Registration, Associate Dean of Student Services, Dean of Liberal Arts, Vice President of Community Outreach & Advancement, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Community Outreach, and Provost. His extensive experience across student services, academic affairs, advancement, and community engagement has provided a comprehensive understanding of the College’s mission and impact.
Dr. Mertes earned a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for excellence in leadership, scholarship, and service. His honors include the Phi Theta Kappa National Distinguished Administrator Award, the Institutional Excellence Award from the Liberal Arts Network for Development, the John Zaugra Outstanding Research Award from the Michigan College Personnel Association, the Dennis Dimoff Outstanding Advisor Award from the Michigan District of Circle K, and the Live United Award from the United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties. He has also received Distinguished Alumni Awards from Waubonsee Community College and Winona State University and was nominated for the Illinois Community College Trustee Association Distinguished Alumni Award.
His commitment to student success and higher education leadership has earned him honorary induction into Phi Theta Kappa, the international community college honor society, and Phi Chi Theta, the international business fraternity. He is also a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and has held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations, including serving as president of the Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association.
A dedicated community leader, Dr. Mertes has served as President of Art Reach and has contributed to numerous boards and advisory committees, including the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, Michigan Center for Student Success, Alden B. Dow Museum, Epicenter, Isabella County 2020 Census Committee, Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, Midland District School Improvement Committee, and the Alumni Society Board of Directors for Winona State University.
In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Mertes has served as an adjunct faculty member at Walden University and Central Michigan University and is a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. A frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences, he has published extensively on community college student retention. His scholarship has been cited more than 350 times in higher education literature, reflecting his ongoing contributions to the field and his commitment to advancing student success.
Rooted in Community, Growing for Tomorrow
Join us in investing in the future of our community.
From upgrading hands-on learning labs to creating spaces that showcase student accomplishments and foster a sense of belonging, your support creates opportunities, transforms lives, and strengthens our communities for generations to come. Join us and invest in our students, because when we all give what we can, we can create something big!