RED WING —Southeast Technical College President Jim Johnson has received another accolade as he prepares to retire in June, following a more than three-decade tenure with the college.

Johnson was named the 2013-14 College President of the Year on Saturday by the Minnesota State College Student Association at its annual awards dinner in Breezy Point, Minn.

The honor is given annually to one of the college presidents in the Minnesota Colleges and Universities system. Johnson was nominated for the award by current and former students from Southeast Tech, and was selected by the association’s statewide student leadership.

Johnson “has made the student his main priority year after year,” wrote former Southeast Tech student senate president Jenna Lubinski in a nomination letter. “His open-door policy, approachability, and open mindedness have always made the students on these campuses feel like they are a priority and that they have a leader who genuinely cares about their wellbeing and success.”

Johnson joined Southeast Tech in 1981 and has served as its president since 1995. He will retire June 30, and will be succeeded by Dorothy Duran.