Dr. Larson joins the Lab as Head of the Community College Growth Engine Fund, a new step in dedicating her career to advancing the mission of community colleges. She is committed to and passionate about creating partnerships that align education to workforce needs to support learners in gaining critical skills in high-demand, good-paying careers.
Dr. Larson most recently served as the President of Eastern Maine Community College for six years, working alongside the Lab team on the BRIDGES Rural initiative and as a Designer in Residence. In this role, she was responsible for ensuring EMCC’s mission of providing high quality career, technical, and transfer education as well as serving as an economic and community development resource. Her many accomplishments include directing the college’s strategic plan initiatives around getting them in, getting them through, and keeping them connected, leading Maine Community College System’s micro-credentialing initiative for both credit and customized programs, and supporting the many innovation initiatives including Destination You, Learning Facilitator program, and Olympia’s Leaders student leadership credential. Prior to her appointment as President, Dr. Larson served in administrative roles in the Minnesota State System, including interim President of North Hennepin Community College, Vice President for Academic Affairs at North Hennepin Technical College, academic dean positions, and as a communication faculty member.
Throughout her career, Dr. Larson has understood the power and impact of partnerships resulting in academic program expansion, new courses and programs, as well as training programs. These partnerships have yielded critical donations, as well as student scholarships. She has remained committed to student success and providing opportunities for development, growth, and innovation for her colleagues and students.
Dr. Larson holds an Ed.D. from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, a M.A. from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a B.S. from Northern State University.