Riverland’s search for interim president starts Thursday

Dr. Terry Leas will start his new job as president of Big Bend Community College on Aug. 23, but Riverland Community College is scheduled to get a new president before that.

The Minn-esota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees is expected to name an interim Riverland president to start Aug. 2, according to MnSCU officials.

MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone will visit Riverland Thursday to speak with faculty, staff, student groups and community members to begin the process of recommending an interim president, according to Melinda Voss, MnSCU Public Relations Director. The board will name an interim president after that.

MnSCU officials are putting together the criteria for a formal search for Riverland’s next president. Voss said it typically takes six to nine months, or an academic year, before a new president is named to a MnSCU college.

Leas is taking the presidency at Big Bend in order to be closer to his family.

“It was a very personal decision,” he said last week. “I am honored to be asked to lead an institution that, like Riverland, takes tremendous pride in its service to others and champions its excellence in teaching and learning. I am deeply proud of the work we have accomplished at Riverland on behalf of the students and communities we serve.”

Leas previously worked as a dean at Yakima Valley Community College in Washington, as well as an administrator at Thomas College in Georgia.

Dr. Ron Langrell, Riverland executive vice president, is also leaving Riverland this summer to become president of Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Wash.

Local Government

City Council opts to delay point of sale inspection ordinance to March 2026

News

Tickets On Sale July 10 for Paramount’s entire grand re-opening season

Mower County

Sterling Pharmacy Communities Raise Nearly $70,000 for Alzheimer’s Association

Austin Living

Austin Living: A group of guys and a show

Mower County

Three new pillars added during Freedom Fest ceremony

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: June 23-30

Education

Education Briefs

Education

Riverland Honors List

News

More than a story: Minnesota researcher explores the power of fairy tales on children

Mower County

PHOTOS: Patriotism on Parade

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

News

Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota seal time capsule to mark 100 years

Mower County

As part of Operation Dry Water, DNR increases patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend

Mower County

Photos: Celebrating Freedom

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Austin man charged with domestic assault

News

Minnesota on track for above average tornado season

Mower County

Hormel Historic Home Autism Programming Transitioning to LIFE Mower County

Albert Lea

Austin man charged with fleeing police, leaving baby in car

Mower County

Building community: Hot Off the Press Comics and Coffee hosts Friday game nights

Mower County

Sheely joins CRWD Board of Managers

Mower County

State parks, recreation areas and trails offer Fourth of July fun

Mower County

Public input sought on reducing statewide walleye limit from six to four

Mower County

In Your Community: Local artist takes part in Mantorville festival