Interim presidents appointed at two Twin Cities area colleges
The Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system today appointed Jessica M. Stumpf as interim president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids and Cambridge and Shari L. Olson as interim president of Anoka Technical College.
Stumpf, 57, is vice president of academic affairs at Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical, with campuses in Red Wing and Winona. Olson, 49, serves as a system director in the Office of the Chancellor, coordinating projects related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and dislocated worker training.
“I am pleased that we have two strong leaders within our system that we can call on to step up and lead the two colleges during these challenging times,” said Trustee Ruth Grendahl, who chairs the board’s Human Resources Committee. “We expect them to continue to move each college forward in fulfilling its mission for students and the communities they serve.”
Chancellor James H. McCormick said: “Both appointments bring thoughtful, creative, capable leaders to these presidencies. They already have demonstrated a commitment to the system, its mission and our students.” Under the Board of Trustees’ policy, an interim president cannot be considered for the permanent presidency.
Stumpf previously served as dean of business at Hennepin Technical College; dean of transportation, coordinator of customized training, coordinator of enrollment and marketing and business instructor, all at Dakota County Technical College; and business instructor at Century College. She earned an associate degree at St. Cloud State University, a bachelor’s degree in business education at Buena Vista University, a master’s degree in business administration at Metropolitan State University, and a doctorate in educational policy and administration at the University of Minnesota. Stumpf will replace Patrick Johns, who has been named president of Lake Superior College in Duluth.
Olson had been president at Eastern Wyoming College; held several planning, administrative services, technology and outreach positions as vice president, dean and director at Northland Community and Technical College; was assistant professor of graduate education at Bemidji Sate University; and served as director and faculty member in early childhood education at United Tribes Technical College. She has a bachelor’s degree in vocational home economics education and a master’s in education, both from North Dakota State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from the University of North Dakota. Olson will replace Anne Weyandt, who has been named senior fellow for academic affairs for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Both appointments become effective July 1.
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 260,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 164,000 students in non-credit courses.