Midland College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Midland College has 4 executives leading key functions including financial administration, institutional governance, and academic leadership.

Committed to fostering academic excellence and workforce development, Midland College empowers students through diverse educational pathways and community-focused partnerships that drive regional economic growth and long-term career success.

Leadership Roles at Midland College

  • Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer - Rick Bender
  • Immediate President, Chair - Will Green
  • President - Stephen Thomas
  • President - Damon Kennedy
  • Rick Bender - Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer

    Rick Bender, the Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer at Midland College, manages the fiscal health and operational infrastructure of the institution. Bender oversees budget allocation, facility maintenance, and human resources to ensure the college maintains high standards for students and faculty. By aligning financial resources with academic goals, the Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of health sciences and technology programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to optimize resource distribution across the campus. Rick Bender directs the administrative teams to improve operational efficiency, ensuring that the college remains a stable environment for learning. Through rigorous financial oversight, Bender secures the necessary funding for workforce training initiatives, ultimately strengthening the institution's capacity to serve the community and support student achievement in a competitive educational landscape.

    Will Green - Immediate President, Chair

    Will Green, the Immediate President, Chair at Midland College, guides institutional governance and strategic oversight. Green directs the board activities to ensure alignment with the mission of providing accessible education in arts and business. Overseeing the policy framework, the Immediate President, Chair maintains the integrity of academic standards while fostering partnerships with regional universities. This role requires constant collaboration with executive leadership to address the evolving needs of faculty and staff. Will Green facilitates high-level decision-making processes that impact the long-term trajectory of the college. By focusing on community engagement and institutional stability, Green ensures that the college remains a pillar of educational excellence. The Immediate President, Chair monitors the effectiveness of current programs, driving improvements that enhance the student experience and support the broader goal of preparing graduates for successful careers in diverse professional fields.

    Stephen Thomas - President

    Stephen Thomas, the President at Midland College, architects the overarching vision for academic growth and community integration. Thomas leads the strategic planning efforts to expand degree offerings in health sciences and technology, ensuring the curriculum meets modern workforce demands. By fostering relationships with local industry partners, the President creates pathways for students to transition into professional roles. This leadership position involves managing the college's reputation and ensuring that all academic programs remain relevant to the needs of the community. Stephen Thomas coordinates with other executive leaders to streamline operations and enhance the student experience through athletics and extracurricular activities. Through a focus on innovation and accessibility, Thomas drives the institution toward achieving its educational goals. The President maintains a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every student receives the resources necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

    Damon Kennedy - President

    Damon Kennedy, the President at Midland College, directs the implementation of academic initiatives and student support services. Kennedy focuses on the development of continuing education programs, ensuring that veterans and traditional students alike have access to high-quality resources. By overseeing the integration of technology into the classroom, the President improves the learning environment and supports faculty in delivering effective instruction. This role involves managing the college's outreach efforts to ensure that the community remains connected to the institution's mission. Damon Kennedy collaborates with the Board to refine the strategic direction, emphasizing the importance of workforce training and career readiness. Through careful management of academic departments, Kennedy ensures that the college maintains its status as a leader in higher education. The President drives initiatives that promote student engagement, ultimately fostering a culture of success and lifelong learning for all members of the campus community.
    Damon Kennedy

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Midland College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Midland College?
    Midland College is led by Rick Bender (Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Will Green (Immediate President, Chair) and Stephen Thomas (President).
    Who is part of Midland College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Midland College includes leaders such as Rick Bender (Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer), Will Green (Immediate President, Chair), Stephen Thomas (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Midland College have?
    Midland College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Midland College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Midland College includes roles such as Vice President - Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer, Immediate President, Chair, President, President.