Bates Technical College President Lyle Quasim announced at the Sept. 20 Board of Trustees meeting that he will retire effective Jan. 1, 2012. Quasim has served as president since January 2010. In an effort to help with the transition, Quasim offered to continue as president until the Board of Trustees select a successor. Quasim will retire after more than 45 years of public service. Prior to becoming Bates’ president, he served in various positions in Pierce County and state government. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Puget Sound, a master’s degree in sociology from Pacific Lutheran University, and is a veteran of the US Air Force. Quasim is married and lives in Puyallup. The Board of Trustees will meet next month to determine the recruitment process to select the next college president.