Anne Temte appointed president of Northland Community and Technical College

Anne Tempte

Anne Temte was appointed president of Northland Community and Technical College today by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

Temte, 52, is currently executive director of business training and community development at Wenatchee Valley College in Wenatchee, Wash. Previously, she was vice president of instruction and student development at Wenatchee Valley College and dean of Mesabi Range Community and Technical College in Virginia, Minn., now part of the Northeast Higher Education District.

She also has been a biology faculty member at Luther College in Decorah, Ia.; personnel director at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore.; director of personnel and affirmative action at Wenatchee Valley College and vice president of human resources at the Community College of Spokane. Temte serves as a city council member for the city of Wenatchee.

"Anne Temte has gained the experience, skill and savvy to be an outstanding community college president," said Board Chair Robert Hoffman. "With that, she has an unrelenting passion to improve the lives of the people she serves. We couldn't ask for more."

Temte holds a Ph.D. in college student services administration from Oregon State University, a master's degree in biology from Utah State University and a bachelor's degree in biology from Luther College.

Chancellor James H. McCormick, who recommended Temte's appointment, said, "Anne Temte already enjoys strong support from the communities that Northland Community and Technical College serves. Her drive to improve access and educational excellence will enrich the lives of people in that area for generations to come. I'm proud to have her on our leadership team."

The search committee was led by Joe Sertich, president of the Northeast Higher Education District, a group of five community colleges in the northern part of the state. "With her love of rural communities, her unrelenting enthusiasm and innovative spirit, Anne Temte will be a powerful new advocate for creating economic vitality in this part of the state."

In accepting the appointment, Temte said, "I'm thrilled to accept this position. In many ways, it feels like coming home. This job gives me an opportunity to do what I love most - support the work of community colleges, which accept students where they are and take them where they want to go." She will replace James Davis, who has served as interim president since July 2005. Her appointment becomes effective July 1.

Northland Community and Technical College, which has campuses in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks, serves more than 4,700 students in credit courses annually and provides a variety of educational programs and delivery options.

Temte was one of four presidents appointed today. The other newly appointed presidents are: Larry Lundblad, Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples; Joyce Helens, St. Cloud Technical College; and Kathryn Jeffery, Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park.