August 24, 2010
MHEC president leaving for presidency at Capella University
Minneapolis – The Midwestern Higher Education Compact’s president, Larry Isaak, has been named the next president of Capella University and will take over for interim Capella President Mike Offerman in November. Isaak, who has been president of the Compact since November 2003, previously served as the chancellor of the North Dakota University System.
In his role as president of Capella University, Isaak will work extensively with the provost, academic deans, and other key staff to ensure that the goals and mission of Capella are met. "In Larry, we have found a leader who truly appreciates and will be able to build upon Capella’s reputation for academic quality and our focus on learner success,” said Capella CEO Kevin Gilligan.
"MHEC is a strong organization with an extremely talented staff and that will ensure a strong continuity of operations and a smooth transition to a new president,” said Isaak. "This has been a difficult decision. MHEC has exciting, ongoing and promising initiatives. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the MHEC president.”
MHEC will immediately begin a search guided by a search committee to be appointed by Michigan State Representative Pam Byrnes, current MHEC chair.
"Larry is innovative and forward thinking," said Rep. Byrnes. "Under his capable leadership, MHEC has become more relevant to its member states and more effective in its delivery of services. Capella University is fortunate to have his talent and experience."
About MHEC
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), founded in 1991, consists of twelve states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. MHEC sponsors a variety of programs to reduce costs, to increase student access and to conduct policy research and analysis. The Compact is statutorily created and governed by a board comprised of five commissioners from each member state. Commissioners include legislators, governor’s representatives and higher education leaders. The Compact is headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information about the Compact, please visit www.mhec.org or call 612-626-8288.
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