Peggy Kennedy recommended as interim president of Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Posted: June 21, 2011

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

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick said Monday he will recommend that Peggy Kennedy, senior vice president for academic affairs and student development at Saint Paul College, be appointed interim president of Minnesota State Community and Technical College.

“Peggy Kennedy is a visionary leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and a well-established commitment to learner achievement, college success and accountability,” McCormick said. “If approved by the board, she would bring a fresh dynamic to the college and continue to advance the college’s mission.” The college has campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena.

The Board of Trustees is expected to act on the chancellor’s recommendation for the one-year appointment at its Wednesday meeting.

Kennedy has served as a vice president of Saint Paul College since 1994. Previously, she was dean for business and general education programs at the college; advanced training specialist and coordinator in the Information System Division at Cenex Corp., now MSA Advanced Manufacturing; and a curriculum consultant at Minnesota Curriculum Services Center; and a business and English instructor at Washington High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College in Wisconsin. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater; and a master’s degree in business education and Ed.D. in educational policy and administration, both from the University of Minnesota.

The appointment is due to the resignation of the current president, Ann Valentine, who is leaving to take a job outside of Minnesota. It is likely a search will be started in the fall to look for a permanent president.