September 22, 2026
Northland Community & Technical College’s academic leadership team will take center stage during the college’s annual State of the College events on October 15 in Thief River Falls and October 16 in East Grand Forks.
This year’s State of the College marks a new chapter for Northland as the college introduces its academic leadership team and highlights the programs, partnerships, and opportunities helping shape the future of education and workforce development across northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.
Centered around the theme, Transforming Futures. Strengthening Communities., the program will feature a welcome from Northland President Dr. Shari Olson before transitioning to the college’s academic deans, who will serve as the primary presenters.
The event comes during a period of leadership transition at Northland, with the college’s academic divisions now led by a new team of deans overseeing career and technical education, liberal arts and pathways, nursing and allied health, and workforce development.
Featured Speakers
ADawn Nelson
Dean of Career & Technical Education
Joseph Agbeko
Dean of Liberal Arts & Pathways
Deb Beland
Dean of Nursing & Allied Health
Kirsten Michalke
Dean of Workforce Development
“For the first time, our academic deans will serve as the primary voices of the State of the College,” said Olson. “Their leadership is helping shape Northland’s future, and I am excited for our communities and industry partners to hear directly from them and learn more about the important work happening across Northland.”
The presentations will offer perspectives on higher education, workforce preparation, industry partnerships, and Northland’s continued commitment to creating opportunity for learners throughout northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota.
Event Information
Thief River Falls State of the College
- Thursday, October 15, 2026
- 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Northland Community & Technical College
- Thief River Falls Campus – Gunderson Commons
East Grand Forks State of the College
- Friday, October 16, 2026
- 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Northland Community & Technical College
- East Grand Forks Campus – Campus Commons
The East Grand Forks event is presented in partnership with the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and is an invitation-only event for Chamber members and invited guests.
For more information, visit northlandcollege.edu/sotc or call 218-683-8666.