Johnette McKown, president of McLennan Community College (MCC) in Waco, Texas, has announced she will retire on May 31, 2027.
Dr. McKown began her tenure with MCC in 1989 as vice president of business services and was later promoted to executive vice president. She was named the community college’s third president in 2009. Throughout her presidency, Dr. McKown established several new student support services, led the development of new academic and workforce programs, facilitated partnerships with local organizations and four-year universities, and improved the college’s facilities and infrastructure. She also served as an adjunct professor in Baylor University’s Scholars of Practice program and taught developmental English and success courses at MCC.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as president of McLennan Community College,” said Dr. McKown. “I am deeply proud of what our team has accomplished together and of the strong foundation we have built for the future.”
An alumna of Paris Junior College in Texas, Dr. McKown received her bachelor’s degree in English from Louisiana College. She holds a master’s degree in reading and community college education and a doctorate in secondary and higher education curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Before joining MCC, Dr. McKown served in various roles at Paris Junior College, Vernon College in Texas, and the University of North Texas.