Stephen L. Strom, an engineer and Air Force veteran with more than a decade of experience in academic planning and program development, will serve as the college鈥檚 new instructional leader.

汤头条app announced today that Stephen L. Strom, an engineer and Air Force veteran with more than a decade of experience in academic planning and program development, will serve as the college鈥檚 new instructional leader.

Strom, who is currently dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Social Sciences at Minnesota鈥檚 Inver Hills Community College, will start as North Central鈥檚 vice president of Academic Affairs in July, following unanimous approval by the college鈥檚 Board of Trustees.

鈥淒r. Strom鈥檚 many accomplishments as an instructional leader and his commitment to collaboration and academic excellence make him an ideal choice for this position,鈥� said North Central President David Roland Finley.  鈥淣orth Central鈥檚 vision to become the premier choice for higher education in Northern Michigan will be strengthened by Dr. Strom鈥檚 addition to our team.鈥�

North Central鈥檚 vice president of Academic Affairs (VPAA) oversees all of the college鈥檚 academic operations, managing curriculum and program development, budgeting, faculty recruitment, academic policy and more.  Strom will also play a prominent role in implementing the college鈥檚 strategic plan, which outlines four academic goals, including the development of innovative programs delivered via adaptive, engaging instructional methods.

More than 20 candidates applied for the VPAA position, with nine emerging as semifinalists, according to Lynn Eckerle, North Central鈥檚 director of Human Resources.  Four finalists participated in on-campus interviews and virtual forums with the North Central community and external stakeholders.

Strom, who is originally from South Carolina, brings more than 15 years of higher education experience from community colleges in Alaska and Minnesota, including experience in continuing and community education, concurrent enrollment and early/middle colleges.

Strom said a passion for community colleges and North Central鈥檚 student-centric mission led him to pursue a career in Northern Michigan.

鈥淚 believe firmly that the varied missions of a community college are critical to the success of the students and communities we support,鈥� Strom said.  鈥淚 am thrilled to bring this passion to North Central as a member of the college鈥檚 leadership team.鈥�

Strom holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership (Oregon State University), a Master of Science in Logistics Management (Air Force Institute of Technology), and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in in civil engineering (Clemson University).  He retired from the United States Air Force in 2006 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The Pauly Group, Inc., an academic consulting firm specializing in community and technical colleges, assisted in the search process. Vice President of Student Affairs Renee DeYoung and Vice President of Finance and Facilities Tom Zeidel co-chaired the search committee.

North Central鈥檚 VPAA position was last held by Provost Pete Olson, who is retiring at the end of June.

汤头条app is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord.  North Central鈥檚 mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education of and for the community.  North Central is an with a designation of by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
 

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Megan Van Horn
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231-439-6399