MnSCU Board of Trustees appoints four new presidents

Posted: March 22, 2006

Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees appointed four new college presidents today. The four new presidents were recommended by Chancellor James H. McCormick after a rigorous national search and selection process that involved faculty, staff, students and community representatives at each college.

"I'm particularly pleased that the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system attracted such outstanding candidates," McCormick said. "The selected individuals join a first-rate team of system leaders. I am certain all of them will strengthen the institutions they lead and the system as a whole."

The new presidents are:

Larry Lundblad as president of Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples. Lundblad, 55, has served as vice president and chief academic officer at South Central College in North Mankato and Faribault since 1993. Lundblad replaces Joseph Opatz, who has served as interim president since July. He takes office July 1.

Anne Temte as president of Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks. Temte, 52, is currently executive director of business training and community development at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Wash. Temte replaces James Davis, who has served as interim president since July. She takes office July 1.

Kathryn Jeffery as president of Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park. Jeffery, 52, has been chief campus administrator for the Charleston campus of the Community College of Southern Nevada since 2004. Jeffery replaces Ronald Kraft, who has served as interim president since July. She takes office July 24.

Joyce Helens as president of St. Cloud Technical College. Helens, 55, has served as executive director of the University of Alaska Corporate Programs since 1999. Helens replaces Joan Volkmuth, who has served as president since 1997 and is retiring. She takes office July 1.