APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) — Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s first female president is rolling up her sleeves and getting ready to take over.
Dr. Kristen Raney will be the next president of the institution, making her the first female and eighth president in the College’s 111-year history.
“I’m honored, I’m humbled, I’m excited,” said Dr. Raney. “I think it’s important to have women in executive leadership roles, especially in CEO and president roles.”
Dr. Raney currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), in Davenport, IA. She previously worked at Saint Paul College in St. Paul, MN, where she served as dean of students and interim vice president of student affairs before becoming the vice president of academic affairs. Her career began as a part-time instructional assistant at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) in Eau Claire, WI. She held a range of positions in her twelve years at CVTC, from faculty to dean of academic development and services.
She holds more than 20 years of higher education experience at institutions across the Midwest.
“I’ve served in roles from faculty, to dean, to vice president and vice chancellor,” said Dr. Raney. “Each of those roles has allowed me to deepen my understanding of how higher education functions.”
She has earned a Doctor of Education from Edgewood College, a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Cloud State University.
Dr. Raney is driven by her belief that education transforms lives and strengthens communities.
“Technical and community colleges impact our communities that we serve,” said Dr. Raney. “We prepare high skilled and educated workers that go to work in our area.”
Dr. Raney will begin her role on July 1, 2023, following the retirement of Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn, who served the College and community for 26 years.
