Our President
Welcome
Welcome to Morton College—a place where opportunity begins and pathways to a better life take shape. For more than a century, Morton College has served as a gateway for students seeking knowledge, growth, and the confidence to pursue their dreams. Our students are the reason we exist, and every program, service, and partnership we build is guided by our commitment to helping them take the next step in their educational and professional journey.
At Morton College, learning is both personal and transformative. While we continue to embrace new technologies and innovative approaches to teaching, we remain grounded in the belief that education is fundamentally about human connection—students learning from dedicated faculty, collaborating with one another, and discovering their potential in a supportive community. Whether through transfer programs, workforce training, or continuing education, our goal is to prepare students not only for careers, but for meaningful lives and contributions to a more just and vibrant society.
Our campus and programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of our community. From modern learning spaces and advanced laboratories to expanding academic and workforce programs, Morton College is investing in the future of education. We are also strengthening partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations to ensure that our students have clear pathways from education to opportunity.
As we look ahead, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you are a prospective student, a current learner, a community partner, or a neighbor in our district, Morton College is your college. Together, we will continue building pathways—pathways that open doors, strengthen our community, and create brighter futures for generations to come.
Dr. Keith McLaughlin, President
With over three decades of experience in higher education, Dr. McLaughlin brings years of knowledge gained from his diverse roles in teaching and leadership at community colleges in New York, Florida, and Illinois. Prior to assuming the role of President, he held the positions of Interim President, Provost and Executive Vice President at Morton College during Dr. McLaughlin’s 15 years of service to the institution.
Dr. McLaughlin has deep ties to the community college sector. He not only graduated from a community college, but also has familial ties. His father was a member of a graduating class in the early years of a community college established in Dr. McLaughlin’s hometown of Auburn, New York, and five of his siblings also earned degrees from community colleges.
An accomplished educator and scholar, Dr. McLaughlin serves as a member of the graduate faculty at National American University, where he teaches doctoral courses in organization design and development, as well as administration and governance. He holds an Associate of Science degree from Corning Community College, a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany, a Master of Science in Management from Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, NY, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Texas at Austin, with a specialization in community college leadership, and a secondary concentration with the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.