PRESQUE ISLE – The president of Northern Maine Technical College for the last 14 years, Durwood Huffman, announced his resignation Thursday to become the technical college system’s chief academic officer.

Huffman’s new job will become effective July 1, according to a statement issued by the Presque Isle school.

Ironically, his first assignment in his new position with the Maine Technical College System will be to serve as NMTC’s interim president until a new executive is appointed.

Huffman, a South Carolina native, has been serving as the system’s academic officer for the past six years on a part-time basis, according to Patricia Sutherland, the college’s spokeswoman.

“The leadership of the system recognized the need for a full-time academic officer,” said Sutherland.

Huffman saw the opening as a “professional opportunity,” she said.

As chief academic officer, Huffman will be responsible for system-level academic policy and program assessment. He also will act as a liaison with the system board’s educational policy committee, which reviews all academic programs every five years.

The college president, who has held the position the longest in the school’s history, was en route to meetings in Bangor and unavailable for comment on his resignation.

“President Huffman has been a tremendous leader, both for the college and in our area communities and in the growth of our region,” Carol Bell, chairwoman of the college’s general advisory council, said. “His leadership, commitment and knowledge have been greatly appreciated and will be missed.”

Huffman’s tenure at the Presque Isle campus led to some changes in the school’s academics and facilities. The institution’s name changed from a vocational technical institute to a technical college.

In addition, several academic programs were added, such as the associate in arts in general studies program, which enables students to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program at a four-year institution.

Other changes include the construction of the Martin Building, which houses classrooms and offices, and Snow Hall, a residence for students.

The college also plans to break ground this year for a new library and learning center complex, according to NMTC officials.

“Durwood has done an outstanding job as part-time academic officer over the past few years, and I am deeply appreciative of his assistance in that role,” John Fitzsimmons, Maine Technical College System president, said in a prepared statement.

“I now look forward to his full participation on a regular basis,” said Fitzsimmons. “The depth and breadth of Durwood’s knowledge regarding academic affairs and accreditation is limitless and his leadership in improving quality will be a tremendous asset in the new post.”

Fitzsimmons is scheduled to come to NMTC next week to meet with the staff to begin the search process for a new president, according to Sutherland.