Dr. Phelan has served as President and CEO of Jackson Community College, Jackson, Michigan, since 2001. During this time he was recognized by the Association of Community College Trustees as the recipient of the 2006 Central Region Chief Executive Officer Award. In 2007, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Community College Association, where he served as chairperson for 2006-07. In October, 2007, he received the National Council on Marketing and Public Relations District 3 Pacesetter of the Year Award.