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Lundblad looks around CLC gets first look at new chief Staff Writer Larry Lundblad was starting to lose his voice by the time the newly appointed president at Central Lakes College reached the Brainerd campus to meet the faculty there after a stop at the Staples campus Thursday afternoon.
But Lundblad said the whirlwind trip was an exciting one and he's looking forward to taking over CLC's top post on July 1.
Lundblad, 55, was appointed president of Central Lakes College Wednesday by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. He has served as vice president and chief academic officer at South Central College in North Mankato and Faribault since 1993. Before that Lundblad was dean of curriculum and instruction, a curriculum specialist and an instructor at South Central.
Lundblad was introduced to CLC faculty, students and community members at ceremonies at both campuses Thursday afternoon.
Bill Tschida, MnSCU vice chancellor of human resources, thanked those who served on the search committee. Don Supalla, president of Rochester Community and Technical College, chaired the search committee that recommended Lundblad. Supalla said he has known Lundblad for more than 25 years.
"You're going to be very impressed with his work here," said Supalla. "Yesterday in St. Paul I saw tears in the eyes of his HR director (at South Central)."
Supalla said the search committee received about 50 applications for the position, narrowed that list down to nine semifinalists who were interviewed in the Twin Cities and that list was further narrowed to five finalists who were interviewed at the CLC campuses.
"Once again, our selection process has produced an excellent candidate," MnSCU board chair Robert Hoffman said in a news release. "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 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."
McCormick thanked interim CLC president Joe Opatz for his work at CLC since July 2005. Many CLC faculty members began a grassroots effort last fall to have Opatz hired on permanent basis and met with McCormick and other MnSCU representatives. But the MnSCU board's policy is that an interim president cannot be considered as a candidate in the search process and a search for a new president was conducted.
"I know how many of you feel about him," McCormick said, of Opatz.
McCormick said while CLC has been a great institution there had been some "slippage" at CLC in recent years but enrollment was now growing. McCormick congratulated the staff and Opatz for working to make that happen. He said the most important job the MnSCU board has is to appoint presidents of its colleges and universities who will help shape the vision of those institutions.
In accepting the appointment at Wednesday's MnSCU board meeting, 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 said he spoke to Jerry Walseth, superintendent of the Brainerd School District, by phone Wednesday night and he is excited about exploring the partnerships between both educational institutions. He mentioned the good things that are happening with the CLC Foundation.
Lundblad's appointment becomes effective July 1. Lundblad said he will be working with Opatz to ensure a smooth transition.
Larry Kellerman, president of the CLC faculty association, presented Lundblad with a CLC sweatshirt, a pen and letter opener and a CLC keychain with multiple keys to "probably both campuses that don't open anything." Kellerman jokingly advised Lundblad to make sure to get a good set of working keys from Opatz.
Opatz said he has had a good year at CLC. Opatz, who has been on leave from his associate vice president for academic affairs position at St. Cloud State University, said his plans are to return to SCSU unless another college presidency opportunity comes along. He said he is not currently a candidate for another position.
"This has been a great experience and showed me I like leadership opportunities in higher education," said Opatz.
Lundblad was one of four presidents appointed by the MnSCU board Wednesday. 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.
JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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