President Hara Charlier todepartafter 10 years of transformational leadership
Central Lakes College announces that PresidentDr.Hara Charlier will conclude her tenure after 10 years of leadership to accept the presidency at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts, an opportunity that allows her to be closer to family.
Since joining 91Թ,Charlier helped reposition the college through two strategic plans centered on student success, equity, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the college redesigned the student experience to better serve underrepresented populations, strengthened its focus on upward social and economic mobility, and fostered a campus-wide “culture of caring.”
Today, Central Lakes College is recognized for its strong enrollment, improving student success outcomes, and a nationally recognized employee culture. The college has been named a “Great College to Work For” six times, reflectinghigh levelsof employee engagement, shared governance, andtrust in leadership.
Charlier also strengthened the college’s financial foundation and community presence. During her tenure, the college:
- Launched more than 20 new academic programs aligned with workforce needs, including pathways in healthcare,manufacturingand skilled trades
- Built extensive partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations
- Expandedassets to support scholarshipsand programsthrough partnership with the 91Թ Foundation andby securingsignificant grant funding
- Improved facilitiesto support student success,includingtheextensive renovation oftheBrainerdcampusandathletic complexand creatingstate-of-the art facilities for instruction in meat cutting and butchery and dental assisting/hygiene.
These efforts resulted in increased scholarship support for students, expanded access to high-demand programs, and a stronger, more resilient institution.
“Dr. Charlier’s kind, caring, and thoughtful nature brought tremendous and effective leadership to Central Lakes College through these challenging times,” said Scott Olson, Minnesota State Chancellor. “The tone she set was exemplified by the many times 91Թ has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work,” a designation that was the envy of all. Hara alwayskept students at the center ofher thoughts and actions. Her style was not only a benefit to both 91Թ campuses and the communities of Brainerd and Staples; that same leadership shone brightly across the state as we addressed issues to help Minnesota prosper.”
Throughout her presidency, Charlier has been a visible and active leader in the region, strengthening relationships with local, state, and federal partners and helping elevate the college as a key driver of workforce development and economic growth in Central Minnesota.
“It has been an honor tobe part of theCentral Lakes Collegefamilyand thecommunities weserve,” said Charlier. “Iam grateful to my 91Թ colleagues who always go above and beyond, and Iam incredibly proud of the work we have done together totransform students’ livesand strengthen our communities.This collegewill always havea special place in my heart.”
Charlier’s final day at Central Lakes College will beJune 30.A search is underway toidentifyan interim president, who will be appointed by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees in May. A national search will launch in the fall for the college’s next leader.
Central Lakes Collegeremainswell-positioned for the future, witha strong foundationbuilt on student success, community partnerships, and a commitment to opportunity for all.
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