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Dr. Patricia Rogers, president of Lake Superior College for the past five years, announced Thursday that she will retire on June 30, 2025.
“I have loved working with the dedicated faculty and staff at LSC because of their focus on student success,” said Rogers. “As a community, we have made it with grit and grace through the Covid years and several key campus projects. I look forward to another, final rewarding year and transitioning the college to its next leader who will take LSC to even higher levels of excellence.”
After a national search, Rogers was named president in 2019, stepping into that role after six years as Provost for Winona State University. Her professional higher education experience began in 1996 as a professor at Bemidji State University after a 10-year cancer research career at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.
“I had the honor and privilege of working with Dr. Rogers for many years when she served with distinction as Provost of Winona State University,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson. “We continued to work together as presidential colleagues after she accepted the presidency at Lake Superior College. Whether as a faculty member or as president, she has been driven by her commitment to students and to the many colleagues across our system that she has worked with. She has always been a forceful advocate for equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. Nobody was better at recognizing and nurturing talent. The number of Minnesotans she has inspired and encouraged over her career – be they students, colleagues, or community members – is uncountable. We have all benefitted from her work. We will miss her greatly!”
President Rogers led Lake Superior College through several key milestones during her tenure.
. The refining of the mission, vision, and values statements
. The re-accreditation of the institution with the Higher Learning Commission in 2023-24
. The creation of a new student study lounge and event space called Hawks Landing
. The remodeling of the main campus library to incorporate the IT help desk, tutoring center, and federally funded TRiO Student Support Services program
. The completion of a major roof replacement project with legislatively designated asset preservation funds
. The transition of the downtown Duluth manufacturing center to the main campus as part of an $8.3 million addition/remodel (completion expected in January 2025)
. The creation of a new IceHawks Café on the main campus
. The creation of a new Center for Equity and Inclusion
. Addition of an Affinity Plus Credit Union campus branch
. Sale of part of the main campus property to Titanium Partners for a future student-friendly apartment complex
. The opening of Aspirus St. Luke’s Piedmont clinic
Like most colleges and universities nationwide, enrollment declined during the Covid pandemic years, however, last year and this year, enrollment is rebounding. During Rogers’ five years as president, nearly 5,000 students earned a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree.
Minnesota State will begin a national search this fall with the goal of identifying an individual in early spring. Chancellor Olson will visit with students, faculty, staff, and community members in November to listen and learn about the future aspirations for LSC. – LSC press release
