CLC names new dean of Student Success

Central Lakes College named a new dean of Student Success. Jane Birkholz stepped into the position Jan. 7.

“Jane brings many years of experience to the position,” said CLC President Dr. Larry Lundblad. “She understands the needs of rural colleges and the students we serve. We are looking forward to many positive changes that will grow our enrollment and provide our students with a dynamic learning experience.”

Birkholz earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Community and Human Resource Development from Mankato State University.

She previously served as Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management for North Central State College located in Mansfield, Ohio.  Prior, she held positions as Assistant Campus Dean for Student Affairs and Campus Operations at the University of Wisconsin Colleges in Wausau, was Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment at the University of Wisconsin – Superior, was Vice Provost of Student Affairs at Lakehead University, Student Services Program Director at the University of Minnesota, and was Vice President of Student Services and Dean of Student Affairs and Campus Operations at Northwest Technical College.

Birkholz said she’s impressed with the number and quality of initiatives underway at CLC.

“Central Lakes College is a student-centered school and is focused on student success,” she said. “My belief is it takes strong collaboration across an institution such as ours to support student success and I’m looking forward to working closely with faculty, staff, administrators and students toward achieving this ever-expanding goal.”

Birkholz added, “I’ve had an opportunity to serve at a number of institutions and in a number of capacities. My first love remains the community college because we are the best at providing educational and support services that truly change students’ lives.”