Normandale Community College has announced that Dr. Kristine Gyolai will serve as Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Dr. Gyolai will officially begin her role on Monday, July 14 with a soft transition starting on Monday, June 9 to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
She takes over the role from Dr. Kristina Keller, who moved into a position at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as the NextGen Student Implementation Co-Lead. Dr. Keller had served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Normandale since 2018.
Dr. Gyolai brings over 30 years of experience in education, including more than two decades in higher education leadership and instruction. She currently serves at Minneapolis College where she has held the dual roles of Academic Dean of the School of Design and the Arts since 2017 and Dean of Online Education and Instructional Support since 2018. She has also held interim dean roles in the Schools of Public and Human Services and Science and Mathematics.
Before moving into academic leadership, Dr. Gyolai taught Fine Arts at several Minnesota State institutions, including Minneapolis College, Century College, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College at the Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, and Moorhead campuses. Her career began in K–12 education, where she taught art in Fergus Falls, MN and Chapmanville, West Virginia.
Dr. Gyolai holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Rockhurst University, a Master of Arts in Visual Art from St. Cloud State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from South Dakota State University.
“I’m honored to accept the position as Interim Provost of Academics at Normandale during this important time of transition,” said Dr. Gyolai. “My approach is grounded in compassion, creativity, and a deep belief in inclusive learning communities where students, faculty, and staff are supported and empowered. I have proven commitment to faculty and teaching excellence through my leadership with the Center for Teaching and Learning. I’m committed to providing a steady presence as we work together to uphold Normandale’s tradition of academic excellence, access, and innovation. This is an extraordinary moment for Normandale, and I’m excited to help shape its next chapter with care, clarity, and optimism.”
Dr. Joyce Ester recently announced she is taking the position of president of Governors State University, and her term as Normandale Community College’s president ends on June 3, 2025.
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities named Dr. Pakou Yang to serve as interim president of Normandale Community College. The appointment becomes effective June 4, 2025.
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