Leadership

Dr. Chris Spradlin has served as President of Edison State Community College since January 1, 2023. A higher education leader with over 23 years of experience in community colleges, Chris is committed to advancing student success, workforce development, academic excellence, and community partnerships. As President, he has brought the first bachelor’s degree program to Edison State, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and has overseen the development of the new Respiratory Care program. In addition, Chris has guided the College through its 50^th Anniversary celebration and its 10-year reaccreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission. Several capital renovation and construction projects have been completed under his tenure, including the new locker rooms for the Athletics Program. Chris is now focused on fulfilling Edison State’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which sets the College on a path to becoming the region’s leading career connector for students and employers.  

Prior to his appointment as president, Dr. Spradlin served as Executive Vice President and Provost at Edison State, providing leadership for academic affairs, student affairs, workforce development, and institutional effectiveness. Among other accomplishments, his leadership helped to build the College Credit Plus program at Edison State, the Guided Pathways model of student success, and new academic offerings in Paramedic/EMT and Medical Assisting.  

Before joining Edison State, Dr. Spradlin served as Vice President of Academic Services and Dean of Arts and Sciences at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Prior to that, he worked as the Dean of Developmental Education at Cuyahoga Community College.  Chris began his career in higher education as a faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serving in adjunct and full-time positions there. He led efforts focused on developmental education reform, student retention, faculty development, and academic innovation. A recognized advocate for student success and institutional transformation, Dr. Spradlin has contributed to statewide and national initiatives involving guided pathways, competency-based education, and assessment reform. 

Chris holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Concordia University Irvine, a Master of Arts in Religion from Concordia Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Cedarville University. Throughout his career, he has presented at numerous state and national conferences and remains dedicated to expanding access to affordable, high-quality education that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing workforce and economy.