NORTH MANKATO — The longtime president of South Central College in North Mankato and Faribault says he plans to retire next year.

Keith Stover says it’s time for “some new blood, new ideas.” He plans to step down in June 2013 after 14 years as president.

Stover was hired in 1999 as president of what was then known as South Central Technical College in North Mankato and Faribault. In 2005, the two campuses became a comprehensive community college known as South Central College.

Stover said that it’s “the kids” he’ll miss the most. The South Dakota native says he wants to be remembered as an advocate for students and for employers.

SCC will start a search for a new president in late summer or early fall.