Larry Lundblad appointed president of Central Lakes College

Larry Lundblad

Larry Lundblad was appointed president of Central Lakes College today by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

Lundblad, 55, has served as vice president and chief academic officer at South Central College in North Mankato and Faribault since 1993. Prior to 1993, Lundblad was dean of curriculum and instruction, a curriculum specialist and an instructor at South Central.

"Once again, our selection process has produced an excellent candidate," said Board Chair Robert Hoffman. "There is no doubt that Dr. Lundblad's wealth of experience at South Central College, where he has honed his leadership skills and administrative ability, will serve him well at Central Lakes College."

Lundblad holds a doctorate with an emphasis in career and technical education, training development and adult education from the University of Minnesota; two master's degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato, one in industry psychology and one in continuing studies; and two bachelor's degrees, one in horticulture and agronomy from Iowa State University and one in history and political science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Chancellor James H. McCormick, who recommended the appointment, said, "Larry Lundblad is a proven leader within our system. In recent years, Dr. Lundblad has focused on student success. That is the very core of what we're about. I couldn't be more pleased that the selection process led to this outcome."

The search committee was chaired by Don Supalla, president of Rochester Community and Technical College. "The committee was impressed with Dr. Lundblad's accomplishments at South Central College. By expanding international learning experiences, promoting student scholarship and encouraging instructors to use 'active learning' methods, he has made his mark. We were also impressed with the connections he forged with governmental agencies, local school districts and business and industry."

In accepting the appointment, Lundblad said, "I'm excited about the opportunity to be at Central Lakes College. The college is poised for growth in the future and I'm just pleased I'm able to be a part of that."

Lundblad's appointment becomes effective July 1. He will replace Joseph Opatz, who has served as interim president since July 2005. Central Lakes College, which has campuses in Brainerd and Staples, serves more than 4,000 students in credit courses annually and provides a variety of educational programs and delivery options.

Lundblad was one of four presidents appointed today. The other newly appointed presidents are: Anne Temte, Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks; Joyce Helens, St. Cloud Technical College; and Kathryn Jeffery, Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park.