The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Pakou Yang to serve as president of Normandale Community College. The appointment becomes effective immediately.
With this appointment, Dr. Yang becomes the sixth president in the history of Normandale Community College and the first Hmong American college or university president in the United States.
Press Release Announcement for President Pakou Yang
Normandale will welcome four finalists for on-campus interviews on Tuesday, March 24, Wednesday, March 25, Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27. Schedules for each day are posted below. Finalists are listed here with a brief introduction. For the full release from the Minnesota State system, see the button below.
Note: Candidates are listed in order of interview dates
Luca Lewis serves as interim president of Ventura College in California, a position he has held since September 2025. Prior to that, he served Ventura College as vice president of student affairs in 2025. From 2022 to 2025, he was the associate vice chancellor of education and student services at West Hills Community College District, California. Between 2015 and 2022, he served as vice president for student services at Whatcom Community College in Washington. Additional prior roles include dean for student success and retention at Edmonds Community College, Washington, from 2012 to 2015, director of high school programs for Bellevue College, Washington, between 2010 and 2012, and interim student affairs specialist at the University of Washington from 2006 to 2007. He has also served as adjunct faculty or instructor at several colleges. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from the University of Idaho. He is scheduled to visit Normandale Community College on Tuesday, March 24.
Charles Lepper served as president and CEO of Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan between 2023 and 2025. Previous roles include the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Salt Lake City Community College in Utah from 2015 to 2023, and in various roles at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, including assistant vice provost for student development services from 2009 to 2013, institutional liaison to the Higher Learning Commission from 2009 to 2011, director of faculty development and student life initiatives between 2007 and 2009, and associate dean of student affairs from 2004 to 2007. He also has experience serving in housing and residence life roles at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania, Indiana University, and Western Michigan University. His teaching experience includes positions at the University of Utah, Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University, Western Michigan University, and Grand Valley State University, Michigan. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, Indiana, a master’s from Grand Valley State University, and a doctorate from Indiana State University. He is scheduled to visit Normandale Community College on Wednesday, March 25.
Jana Schwartz currently serves as the president of Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) in Arizona, a position she has held since July 2024. She also served as the interim president at PVCC from August 2023 to July 2024. Prior to that, she was the vice president of student affairs at PVCC between 2019 and 2023. She was the dean of pathways and student succes and the Title III program director for Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Colorado from 2018 to 2019 and the dean of student affairs at FRCC between 2012 and 2018. Additional professional experience includes director of the Center for Human Enrichment at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) from 2008 to 2012, graduate assistant for the Stryker Institute for Leadership Development at UNC from 2005 to 2006, and program director for the Bradley Learning Community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2002 to 2005. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Central College, Iowa, and master’s from the University of Iowa, and a doctorate from the University of Northern Colorado. She will visit Normandale Community College on Thursday, March 26.
Pakou Yang currently serves as the interim president of Normandale Community College, a position she has held since June 2025. Prior to that, she served as the provost and vice president of academic and student affairs at Century College from 2021 to 2025. She also held the position of vice president of student affairs and enrollment management at Century between 2018 and 2021. From 2014 to 2018 she was the system director of P-20 and college readiness at the Minnesota State system office and preceding that she served as an academic dean for the division of behavioral and social science, communication, physical education and health, humanities, and the translation and interpreting program at Century. She was also a full-time unlimited communication instructor at Century from 2003 to 2008. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, a master’s from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She is scheduled to visit Normandale Community College on Friday, March 27.
Normandale Community College seeks a dynamic and visionary president who will lead a welcoming campus culture that prioritizes students and fosters a collaborative and engaging environment among faculty, staff, and administrators.
Normandale is located in a vibrant suburb within the Twin Cities metropolitan area and is known for its outstanding programs in health, the humanities, and the liberal arts. The college maintains strong partnerships across the community, including with businesses, K–12 school districts, nonprofit organizations, and regional universities.
Rooted in strong equity values, Normandale is committed to reflecting those principles in how it serves students and supports and develops faculty, staff, and administrators. The successful president will be an excellent communicator and listener, deeply committed to student success, and a proactive change agent. This leader will uphold the values of the college, be a visible leader at both the campus and system levels, serve as an effective partner with community and regional organizations, and guide Normandale in strengthening its local, national and global reputation for excellence.
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
The next president of Normandale Community College will lead the College’s strategic direction, ensuring that priorities are aligned with student and institutional needs. A key focus will be managing enrollment growth and aligning financial resources and support services to support that growth effectively. The president will also guide the development of a comprehensive plan to strengthen and expand community and educational partnerships. As the College deepens its philanthropic efforts, the president will champion initiatives that enhance the Foundation’s relationships with local businesses and community organizations.
EQUITY-MINDED LEADERSHIP
Across the college, there is a steadfast commitment to meeting students where they are and providing an education that supports both transfer and professional pathways. The next president must demonstrate a strong understanding of the student life cycle and provide leadership that supports the diverse needs of all learners. This includes ensuring that faculty, staff, and administrators uphold equity principles in program delivery, student services, and professional development.
TRANSPARENT LEADERSHIP
The president must model leadership that is collaborative, accountable, and inclusive—valuing diverse perspectives and promoting innovative ideas and strategies. A strong commitment to shared governance is critical, as well as outstanding listening and communication skills. The president will support faculty and staff as they respond to student interests and emerging programmatic needs. Transparent leadership at Normandale aligns with the college’s values and fosters innovation, strategic alignment, and trust. The president will need to balance competing initiatives while maintaining focus on the college’s mission of expanding access and advancing student success.
STUDENT-FOCUSED LEADERSHIP
Normandale is known for its exceptional academic programs, including both transfer pathways and career focused options. Faculty and staff are strongly committed to student success, and the next president must champion efforts to expand access to the resources students need to overcome barriers to their academic progress and well-being. The next president will need to be creative and work cooperatively with the campus community to align resources to strengthen student support and improve outcomes.
COMMUNITY PARTNER AND COLLABORATOR
Normandale has a long-standing tradition of strong partnerships with business, community organizations, and educational communities. The president will provide leadership in sustaining and expanding these relationships. The college’s foundation plays a critical role in removing financial barriers for students; therefore, the president must be a compelling communicator and relationship builder who can articulate the importance of philanthropic support. The president will cultivate new partnerships and secure investments that eliminate barriers and accelerate student success.
ADVOCACY
Advocacy for students, employees, and the institution is essential to fulfilling Normandale’s mission. Effective advocacy will be grounded in evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making. The president must navigate complex issues—including program review, service redesign, and the ethical integration of emerging technologies such as AI. As an advocate, the president must be politically savvy, able to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and articulate the essential role Normandale Community College plays in the region.
The successful candidate will demonstrate most, if not all, of these qualifications:
Leadership
Experience
Ability
ACCT Searches is assisting Normandale Community College in this search. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality of candidates until finalists are selected. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than January 30, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Candidates will need to have the following information or materials available to complete the application:
For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries please contact:
Cindy Lopez
ACCT Director of Search Services and Tribal College Initiatives
clopez@acct.org
405-255-2566
December 4, 2025 – Chancellor hosted listening sessions with Normandale staff, faculty, administrators, students, and community
January 2026 – Search Advisory Committee Orientation Meeting
January 30, 2026 - Target Date for Applications (position remains open until filled)
February 2026 – Confidential Semifinalist Interviews
March 2026 – Public Announcement of Finalists, System Office Interviews and Campus Visits All finalists participate in public forums; all are invited and encouraged to attend
April 2026 – Minnesota State Board of Trustees Review/Approval, Public Announcement of Selected President and Campus Presentation
You can read more about Normandale's mission, vision and values here.
top
