Semifinalists for President of Central Lakes College Named

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 19, 2016 – Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named three semifinalists who are under consideration to be president of Central Lakes College. The candidates are Hara Charlier, Robert Griggs, and Anna Wasescha.

The candidates were recommended by a search advisory committee comprised of students, faculty, staff, and community leaders, and chaired by Laura Urban, president of Alexandria Technical and Community College. The candidates are scheduled to visit the campus between February 22 and February 25, 2016. The campus visits provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to meet each of the candidates and offer feedback. Details of the candidates’ campus visits are available at www.clcmn.edu/presidential-search/.

Hara Charlier has served as vice president of instruction and student services at Virginia Highlands Community College since 2012. Previously, she served Blue Ridge Community College (VA) as dean of life science and human services from 2010 to 2012, interim vice president of instruction and student services from 2009 to 2010, dean of life science and human services from 2008 to 2009, and assistant professor of biology from 2005 to 2007. She also served Synoptics, Inc. as operations director, director of support services, and scientific support manager from 2000 to 2005; and Miami University (OH) as an instructor of microbiology from 1995 to 2000. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a master’s degree from Miami University (OH), and a doctorate from Old Dominion University (VA). She will visit the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College on Wednesday, February 24, and the Staples campus on Thursday, February 25.

Robert Griggs has served Bemidji State University as vice president for innovation and extended learning from 2012 to 2016, interim vice president for academic affairs from 2011-2012, associate vice president for extended learning and library services from 2008 to 2011, interim associate vice president for extended learning and information technology from 2005 to 2008, and dean of distance learning and summer session from 2000 to 2005. He also served Northwest Technical College as interim dean since 2014. Previously, he served National American University (SD) as associate dean for distance learning from 1998 to 2000, department chair from 1997 to 1998, and as a faculty member from 1992 to 2000. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a juris doctor degree from the University of North Dakota. He will visit the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College on Monday, February 22, and the Staples campus on Tuesday, February 23.

Anna Wasescha has been president of Middlesex Community College (CT) since 2011. Previously, she served as provost for Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls, from 2007 to 2011. She has served Walden University (MN) as associate dean of the College of Education Doctoral Programs from 2006 to 2007 and assistant dean of the School of Management from 2004 to 2006; Concordia University (MN) as a consultant on service learning from 1996 to 2000; the University of Minnesota as a research assistant from 1991 to 1992, from 1989 to 1990, and in 1986; and Hamline University as associate dean of student affairs from 1984 to 1985, assistant dean of student affairs from 1980 to 1984, director of the career studies center from 1976 to 1980, and director of placement from 1974 to 1976. She holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Minnesota. She will visit the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College on Tuesday, February 23, and the Staples campus on Wednesday, February 24.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees is expected to consider Chancellor Steven Rosenstone’s recommendation at its March 16 meeting. The anticipated start date of the new president is July 1, 2016.