For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: October 30, 2025
Presidential search launched with strong collaboration
New president to be announced in March 2026
Fennimore -
The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Board has officially launched the search for the college’s next president, marking one of the board’s most significant responsibilities. The process formally began Oct. 28, following weeks of groundwork that included organizational meetings, stakeholder engagement, and campus listening sessions designed to shape the college’s future leadership.
Unlike many public college systems, Wisconsin’s technical colleges are governed locally. Each college is led by its own district board, composed of community members representing employers, employees, and the public across its service region. The Southwest Tech District Board—comprised of nine local leaders from across five counties—is responsible for hiring and evaluating the president, the college’s chief executive officer.
“Selecting a president is one of the most important duties our board undertakes,” said Chuck Bolstad, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and vice chairperson of the Southwest Tech District Board. “We’re committed to a process that reflects our college’s values—collaborative, transparent, and focused on students and the communities we serve.”
To ensure the search reflects both professional best practices and public accountability, the board selected AGB Search, a nationally respected firm specializing in executive recruitment for higher education. The firm will assist with candidate outreach and coordination while the board retains full control of all decisions.
AGB Search was chosen through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP)—the formal bidding process required of Wisconsin’s public technical colleges. Multiple firms submitted proposals detailing their experience, cost, and approach. The board carefully reviewed each submission and selected AGB Search based on qualifications, value, and proven success in similar searches. This transparent process ensures fairness, fiscal responsibility, and the wise use of taxpayer dollars.
The Presidential Search Committee, composed of board members, college staff, a student, and a community representative, will review applications, conduct interviews, and make recommendations to the full board. Semi-finalist interviews are scheduled for the week of Jan. 12, 2026, with finalist interviews and campus visits planned for Feb. 2, 2026. The new president is expected to be announced the week of March 9, 2026.
Throughout October, employees, students, and community members participated in listening sessions hosted by AGB Search and completed an anonymous survey. Together, these opportunities gathered broad input on the qualities and priorities the next president should embody and informed the creation of the Presidential Leadership Profile—a guiding document outlining the college’s vision for its next leader.
“Our stakeholders made it clear—they want a president who listens first, communicates openly, and leads with vision,” said Bolstad. “We have an incredibly talented and dedicated campus community, and now we’re looking for the right person to build on that strength.”
The launch of the search comes at a time of national recognition for Southwest Tech. Earlier this year, the college earned the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, distinguishing it as the top two-year college in the nation out of more than 1,200 institutions. That honor is expected to draw a broad and highly qualified pool of candidates.
“The Aspen recognition speaks to the excellence and innovation already happening at Southwest Tech,” said Chris Prange, chairperson of the Southwest Tech District Board. “The next president will inherit a strong institution and a motivated team ready to take the next step forward.”
Caleb White, vice president for administrative services, is currently serving as interim president following the June 30 departure of Dr. Jason Wood. “Caleb is doing an excellent job,” said Prange. “We’re so fortunate that he can step in on an interim basis, and everything is going smoothly.”
The community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged by visiting the Presidential Search webpage, where the Presidential Leadership Profile and timeline are available. Questions or feedback can be shared at presidentialsearch@swtc.edu.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |