91涩漫

Introduction

Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to progress at 91涩漫 From campus initiatives to community partnerships, statewide collaboration, and legislative advocacy, our collective work has strengthened the college and advanced our mission. This report is my reflection on the journey we鈥檝e taken together.

Campus Work Initiatives

On campus, I was proud to participate in our outside beautification project.听 We鈥檙e already looking for ways to do events like this more in the future. The听PACE Program听(new name to be unveiled soon) has been a highlight: I welcomed our new director, Erin Thompson, celebrated the renewal of a critical grant, and supported virtual college visits that have helped us understand how to expanded opportunities for students. I also had the honor of backing Erin鈥檚 presentation at the St. Louis County Human Services Conference, which showcased the program鈥檚 impact beyond our walls.

Recruitment efforts took flight at the听Airshow, where a small, but mighty, team connected with prospective students. Our听Competency-Based Education initiative听advanced through the development of a steering committee, multiple working groups, and participation in CBExchange, positioning us as leaders in innovative learning.听 We now have several individuals enrolled in CompetentU to learn about how to develop programs in this unique delivery format.

Professional development has been central to my work. I attended the听EAB New President Institute, completed听JobsEQ training, and engaged in the bonding request process. I鈥檝e participated in听Shared Governance听补苍诲听Foundation Board meetings, assisted with registration sessions, and met with the听Student Senate. These conversations remind me of the importance of listening to students and faculty alike.

We celebrated fall听Kick-off Days, Student Success Day, and Veteran鈥檚 Day on campus.听 I worked to strengthen partnerships with听Bemidji State University听through new articulation agreements, and met with colleagues from the听University of Wisconsin鈥揝uperior听to explore collaboration. Our听80th Anniversary Celebration and Open House听was a joyful reminder of our legacy, while initiatives such as the BOT Awards, Town Hall meetings,听Lemonade with Linda, 补苍诲听Commons Conversations听kept our focus squarely on teaching and learning into the future.

Accreditation work with the听Higher Learning Commission听moved forward with the kick-off for our Year 4 Assurance Review and selection of a Quality Initiative. I also led sessions to refresh our听strategic plan听analyze our听PACE climate survey听results, and continued important听PFAS work听to address environmental concerns.

Community Engagement

Beyond campus, I have worked to strengthen our role in the community. I participated in听APEX orientation and board meetings, attended听Duluth Chamber听补苍诲听Hermantown Chamber听events, and supported听Duluth Promise听work. Business meetings with听Cirrus听and Lake Superior Helicopters/Ascent Aviation, service on the听Workforce Development Board, and Emerging Workforce subcommittee connected us to regional economic priorities.

I was honored to attend the听滨苍补耻驳耻谤补迟颈辞苍听of the听UMD Chancellor, support community causes at the听PAVSA Dinner, and contribute to the听UMD Medical School Advisory Group. These engagements remind me that Lake Superior College is not only an educational institution but also a vital partner in advancing the health, economy, and well-being of our region.

Minnesota State System Work

At the system level, I participated in the听New听President Orientation, completed听Investigator Training, and attended听Leadership Council听补苍诲听Board of Trustees meetings. The听Northeast President Meeting听provided valuable collaboration with colleagues across the region, ensuring that our efforts align with statewide priorities.

Legislative Engagement

Legislative advocacy has been an important part of my role. I attended a听bonding visit听to advocate for campus priorities, joined stakeholders during听Duluth Days at the Capital听planning session to begin preparation for our legislative ask for听PFAS听testing and remediation, and contributed to the听Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability. These opportunities allowed me to ensure that Lake Superior College鈥檚 needs and perspectives are represented in policy discussions at both the state and federal level.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these past six months, I am grateful for the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our college community. From campus improvements to statewide leadership, from student-centered initiatives to legislative advocacy, Lake Superior College continues to thrive by looking to the future.

I am proud of what we have accomplished together and excited about the opportunities ahead. Our work honors the history of this institution while embracing innovation and growth. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you as we build a future of excellence and opportunity at 91涩漫