Minnesota West Appoints Dr. Craig R. Leager as Provost
Worthington, MN – Minnesota West Community & Technical College is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Craig R. Leager as Provost, effective June 24. Dr. Leager brings over two decades of leadership across higher education, K-12 schools, corporate and nonprofit sectors, offering a blend of strategic vision, academic innovation, and a deep commitment to student success.
Dr. Leager joins Minnesota West from Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) in Iowa, where he most recently served as Executive Dean of Instruction. In this role, he oversaw academic operations across three campuses, supervised over 200 faculty and adjunct instructors, and implemented institution-wide innovations such as the New Faculty Academy Aspiring Leaders Institute and college-wide, monthly Learning Walks to develop instructional capacity and collaboration. He implemented multiple grants including from the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education.
Prior to his tenure at IHCC, Dr. Leager served as Executive Director and National STEM Certification Lead Consultant for the National Institute for STEM Education (NISE), where he led national initiatives to certify STEM educators and institutions. Under his leadership, NISE expanded its reach to over 12,000 educators across the United States, developed partnerships with higher education institutions, and contributed to state legislation supporting STEM education in Alabama.
“Dr. Leager brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, faculty development, and strategic planning,” said President, Dr. Terry Gaalswyk. “His passion for innovation, equity, and student-centered learning aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to welcome him to our leadership team.”
Dr. Leager earned his Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Iowa State University. He is widely recognized for his ability to foster inclusive learning environments, build high-performing teams, and drive institutional effectiveness through collaboration and data-informed decision-making.
“I am honored to join Minnesota West,” said Dr. Leager. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and students to advance academic excellence, support innovative teaching, and enhance the educational experience for all learners.”