Kathryn Jeffery appointed president of Hennepin Technical College

Kathryn Jeffery

Kathryn Jeffery was appointed president of Hennepin Technical College today by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

Jeffery, 52, has been chief campus administrator for the Charleston campus of the Community College of Southern Nevada since 2004. Jeffery also has served as interim dean for arts and letters at the college. Prior to 2004, she was vice president of Columbia College in Sonora, Calif.; dean of student services and coordinator of faculty and staff diversity for the California Community Colleges; and coordinator of extended opportunity programs and services at Sacramento City College.

"In her 32 years of experience, Kathryn Jeffery has shown she is a highly effective leader and administrator," said Board Chair Robert Hoffman. "She is skilled and trained to strengthen academic performance, fiscal accountability and student success."

She holds a Ph.D. in education administration with an emphasis in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin; and a master of science degree in applied behavioral studies in education and a bachelor of music education, both from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.

Chancellor James H. McCormick, who recommended the appointment, said, "Kathryn Jeffery stands out as someone who will build strong alliances to move the college forward. She is a dedicated and experienced educator who deeply values students and their success."

The search committee was chaired by Keith Stover, president of South Central College in Faribault and North Mankato. "Kathryn Jeffery has a strong vision for the vital role technical colleges play in addressing workforce needs as we build the fabric of our American culture. Hennepin Technical College already excels in technical education," Stover said. "I believe Kathryn Jeffery is an innovator who will take this fine institution to new heights."

In accepting the appointment, Jeffery said, "I'm so looking forward to joining the Hennepin Technical College team and to move forward all the good work that's already being done there. Although I'm not a native of Minnesota, I'm going to do all I can to be part of all the communities at Hennepin Technical College."

Her appointment becomes effective July 24. She will replace Ronald Kraft, who has served as interim president since July 2005. Hennepin Technical College serves more than 8,500 students in credit courses annually and provides a variety of educational programs and delivery options.

Jeffery was one of four presidents appointed today. The other newly appointed presidents are: Larry Lundblad, Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples; Joyce Helens, St. Cloud Technical College; and Anne Temte, Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks.