Open forums for Provost finalists

The search for our next provost is underway, and we invite all members of the campus community to engage in this important process. In the coming weeks, three finalists for the position will visit our campus, with open forum sessions scheduled in late April and early May.

These forums are a valuable opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to meet the candidates, hear their visions for academic leadership, and ask questions in an open, in-person setting. Your participation and input are essential as we seek a successor to Dr. Arthur Brown, who recently announced his retirement after years of dedicated service.

We encourage everyone to attend the sessions, submit questions during the discussions, and share feedback with the search committee afterward. Your voice will help shape the future of academic leadership at our institution.

Provost Candidates:
Michael D. Rohlena, Ph.D., currently serves as the Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) in Sioux City, Iowa, a role he has held since 2014. In this position, he supervises faculty and staff across 28 programs, develops and implements program goals, manages departmental budgets, and resolves student concerns.
Previously, he was the Division Chair for Fine Arts at WITCC and has held faculty positions at Morningside College, Wayne State College, the University of South Dakota, and Briar Cliff University, where he taught courses in theatre and design.
Michael's educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University, a Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Dakota, and a Bachelor of Arts from Carroll University.
Visiting on April 28 & April 29
Feedback tool for Dr. Rohlena https://forms.office.com/r/vm36z8r6vt

Jim DeLung, Ed.D., is currently serving as the Dean of Academic Success in Career and Technical Education at the Community College of Aurora. In this role, he supervises department chairs for four departments: Business, Health Sciences, Public Service, and Skilled Trades. He has also partnered with other leaders to strategically use the institution’s Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), develops relationships with industry stakeholders and manages budgets. Jim also teaches Public Speaking as a part-time Communication Instructor.
Jim has held various roles including Division Chair for CTE and Lead Media Design Faculty, Quality Assurance Analyst – IT, Academic Advisor & Retention Specialist, Director of Counseling & Career Planning. His teaching experience spans multiple institutions, including Morgan Community College, Front Range Community College, and Minnesota State University, Mankato where he taught courses in communication, marketing, and graphic design.
His educational credentials include a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from University of Denver, Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Master of Science in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from University of North Carolina.
Visiting on April 28 & April 29
Feedback tool for Dr. DeLung https://forms.office.com/r/ZA10Dwc3v6

Craig Leager, Ed.D., currently serves as the Executive Dean of Instruction at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he manages an academic budget, supervises multiple deans and instructional staff, and leads initiatives in program development, recruitment, and professional learning. Prior to his role as Executive Dean, he was the Founding Director/Dean of the IHCC Teaching & Learning Center, where he established the college’s Teaching & Learning Center and developed professional development programs for faculty and staff.
His prior experience also includes work as a Regional Education Director/Dean for Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, and various roles in the K-12 system including administration and teaching. Additionally, Craig has held leadership roles at the National Institute for STEM Education, where he managed national STEM certification programs and partnerships.
Leager holds a Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Iowa State University.
Visiting on April 30 & May 1
Feedback tool for Dr. Leager https://forms.office.com/r/PWQJUhqkUf

Meet the Provost Candidates during the Open Forum Sessions:

Michael Rohlena
April 28th: 
8:45 a.m. - Jackson
12:00 p.m. - Worthington
2:15 p.m. - Luverne
April 29th:
9:00 a.m. - Pipestone
12:00 p.m. - Canby
2:30 p.m. - Granite Falls

Jim DeLung
April 28th:
9:00 a.m. - Granite Falls
12:00 p.m. - Canby
3:00 p.m. - Pipestone
April 29th: 
8:45 a.m. - Luverne
12:00 p.m. - Worthington
2:15 p.m. - Jackson

Craig Leager
April 30th:
9:00 a.m. - Granite Falls
12:00 p.m. - Canby
3:00 p.m. - Pipestone
May 1st:
8:45 a.m. - Luverne
12:00 p.m. - Worthington
2:15 p.m. - Jackson