For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: January 14, 2026

Presidential search trims list to seven semi-finalists

Fennimore -

This is a pivotal week in the search for a new Southwest Wisconsin Technical College president. The search and screen committee has narrowed the list of 48 highly-qualified applicants to a semi-final pool of seven individuals. “This is a testament not only to the strength of the candidate pool, but also to the care, time, and professionalism the committee has brought to this work,” said Caleb White, interim president at Southwest Tech.

The semi-finalist candidates are scheduled for interviews over two days this week. Following these interviews, the committee will make a recommendation to the District Board to advance finalist candidates for final on-campus interviews, which will occur in mid-February. Once the Board has approved the finalist pool, we plan to share the names of the finalists with the entire college community and with the public. “Transparency and broad engagement remain important priorities in this process,” said White.

College officials are working to schedule the day-long, in-person finalist interviews on campus. These visits will include multiple opportunities for campus and community engagement.

During the week of Feb. 16, AGB, the consulting firm hired to assist in the national search, will report to the college’s hiring authority. The announcement of the new president is expected to be made during the week of March 9. The president is expected to start his or her new role on July 1.

“Once again, we are deeply grateful to the search and screen committee for their extraordinary commitment to this process,” added White.

Members of the search and screen committee include:

Chuck Bolstad – District Board Member and Search Chair

David Blume – District Board Member

Kent Enright – District Board Member

Jane Wonderling – District Board Member

Kris Schoville – Staff Member (Faculty) and Foundation Board Member

John Troxel – Staff Member (Staff)

CoraBeth Schmitz – Staff Member (Administration)

Kajal Patel – Southwest Tech Student

Theresa Sander – Business/Community Member, Human Resources Administrator, Safety – Biddick, Inc.

Learn more: swtc.edu/presidentialsearch

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence in 2025. 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. |