Dr. Kimberly Lynch begins interim president role at CLC 

Dr. Kimberly Lynch has begun her role as interim president of Central Lakes College, arriving on campus July 1. With deep experience across Minnesota State and a strong commitment to students, she brings thoughtful, steady leadership to the CLC community. 

“I am thrilled to join a college known for its culture of caring and for its deep commitment to students and the surrounding communities,” Lynch said. “It is a true honor to steward the excellent work of staff and faculty where, every day, we live CLC’s mission to build futures.” 

Lynch was selected to serve in this role by the Minnesota State board earlier this spring. 

“Dr. Lynch has extensive experience with Minnesota State, including serving in leadership roles at three colleges and the system office,” said Scott Olson, Minnesota State chancellor. “She is a strategic thinker with a passion for helping faculty and staff to bring innovation to the forefront to help students succeed, and I am confident she will be a steady and effective leader for Central Lakes College during this year of transition.” 

Lynch has broad higher education experience both in leadership positions as well as in the classroom. Her focus on technology and how human beings can successfully weave technology into their work has been a cornerstone of her leadership across Minnesota State for more than a decade. 

She joins CLC after serving as associate vice chancellor for educational development and technologies at Minnesota State, where she also held interim leadership roles. She was interim vice president for academic affairs at Northwest Technical College (2022), leading process improvements and launching a strategic enrollment management effort, and interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs (2017–2018), advancing transfer pathways and statewide academic initiatives. 

Earlier, she served in several leadership roles at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, including dean of STEM and computer networking, interim campus information officer, and dean of innovative teaching and learning, where she expanded online learning. She began her career as an English faculty member at ARCC. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University, and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. 

Lynch succeeds Hara Charlier, who has served as president of Central Lake College since 2016 and has been appointed president of Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts.  

It is expected that Lynch will serve for one year. A search for the next permanent president will begin in late fall 2026 with the intention of naming the permanent leader in the spring of 2027.