Presidential Search Profile

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.

view the presidential search Profile

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

• Strong leadership skills necessary to sustain the vision of Normandale Community College
• Progressively responsible experience in higher education administration
• Experience and leadership with shared governance, demonstrating a collegial and collaborative management style, including understanding and appreciation for a collective bargaining environment

Experience

• Experience in program and curriculum development, fundraising, governmental relations, accreditation process
• Demonstrated fundraising ability and building relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrated successful fiscal management and working with large and complex budgets
• A record of actions reflecting concern for the success and well-being of students
• A record of building public/private partnerships between education and business and industry, government entities, and philanthropic and community organizations
• Demonstrated ability to lead in an innovative, data-driven environment and encourage out-of-the-box thinking

Ability

• Ability to lead the campus in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner, with integrity and respect and a proven track record of being a visible, engaged, and accessible presence with students, alumni, community leaders, and friends
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices and experiences in addressing equity in student access and outcomes
• Willingness to work with K-12 systems and other Minnesota State colleges and universities
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills effective with a broad range of audiences
• An earned doctorate is preferred but not required

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:

1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that succinctly demonstrates how the candidate’s experience and professional qualifications have prepared them to serve as the President of Normandale Community College.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. A list of eight references: example, two to three supervisors, two to three direct reports, and two to three faculty and/or staff members from current and former institutions.

For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries please contact:

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 and see the college's org chart by visiting the link below.

Normandale Org Chart