The Minnesota State Board of Trustees and Chancellor Scott Olson invite nominations and applications for the position of President of Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) and Inver Hills Community College (Inver Hills) to help shape their future as they move toward a merger to become Minnesota Valley College in summer 2027*.

The next president will join the colleges at a pivotal moment: bringing two institutions together around a shared identity, building on their distinct strengths, and serving students and the region in new ways. This is an opportunity to listen, learn, and work alongside students, employees, and community partners to create a college that is greater than the sum of its parts.

About DCTC and Inver Hills 

Since 1970, DCTC and Inver Hills, located just 10 miles apart, have played a vital role in workforce and economic development across the Minneapolis South Metro region. Together, they have helped generations of students achieve their educational and career goals, creating opportunities that strengthen families and communities. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, the colleges offer more than 100 academic and career programs, providing pathways to high-demand careers in as little as one to two years or seamless transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. DCTC and Inver Hills are deeply connected to the communities they serve, working alongside employers, school districts, healthcare providers, and industry leaders to address workforce needs and expand educational opportunities.

Proposed Merger

DCTC is being merged with Inver Hills to become Minnesota Valley College* in the summer of 2027. Benefits of the new college for students and the community include over 100 programs to choose from; greater access to courses, facilities, and services; streamlined processes for students who take classes at both campuses; combined expertise of faculty and staff; and simplified partnerships with K-12 schools, businesses, and community organizations.

Desired Leadership Attributes and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to students and a genuine interest in learning the colleges’ history, culture, and context. They will be an accessible, visible leader who seeks honest feedback, listens carefully, and follows through with action.

The successful candidate will demonstrate most, if not all, of these qualifications:

• Strong leadership skills necessary to sustain the vision of DCTC and Inver Hills, carrying that forward into the merged institution.
• 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 in program and curriculum development, governmental relations, and accreditation process, as well as budget and fiscal management.
• 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, community leaders, and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in an innovative, data-driven environment and encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and institutional advancement, with a record of securing philanthropic support and building strong relationships with alumni, foundations, and community partners.
• 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 experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• 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.

Please see Greenwood Asher & Associates website for the full Presidential Search Profile.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Minnesota State in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than December 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

Please submit full application packets here. We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search
email: jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant
email: kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com

*Pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Minnesota State Board of Trustees, and the U.S. Department of Education.