Patrick Johns appointed president of Lake Superior College

Patrick Johns, president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, today was appointed president of Lake Superior College in Duluth by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

Johns, 56, has been president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids and Cambridge since 1991. His new appointment takes effect July 1.

Chancellor James H. McCormick said: “Pat Johns has strong ties to Duluth, and he is an outstanding leader. I fully expect that his impressive track record as a system president will continue at Lake Superior College.”

Ruth Grendahl, vice chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the board’s Human Resources Committee, said: “President-elect Johns was selected from a group of outstanding candidates. The board will continue to draw on his knowledge and leadership skills to benefit Lake Superior College and the system as a whole.”

Johns said: “My commitment to Lake Superior College runs deep. I will work very hard with you to make Lake Superior College the most outstanding institution that serves our students and the community in the best way we possibly can.”

Before serving as president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Johns was interim president, executive dean and acting financial aid director at the college. He also has been dean of academic affairs at Minnesota West Community and Technical College; dean at Riverland Community College; and financial aid director, counselor, recruitment coordinator and an adjunct instructor at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College. Johns was assistant men’s basketball coach at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He holds bachelor’s degrees in history and psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and a doctorate in educational administration and adult and higher education from the University of South Dakota.

Johns will replace Kathleen Nelson, who is retiring. The process of replacing Johns at Anoka-Ramsey Community College is expected to begin soon.

Lake Superior College, which has more than 5,500 students enrolled this spring semester, is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. The college provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. The college is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.