Dr. Patrick M. Johns, who currently serves as president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, has been appointed president of Lake Superior College in Duluth by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

According to the system’s Chancellor, James H. McCormick, “Pat Johns has strong ties to Duluth, and he is an outstanding leader. I fully expect that his impressive track record as a system president will continue at Lake Superior College.”

Johns, originally from Duluth, graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School, earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota – Duluth, and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Superior.

“My family heritage dates back to well over one hundred years in the area,” Johns explains. “When the option to interview came up, the strong pull to return to Duluth actually took me by surprise. Now I look forward to working with various constituents of the greater Duluth area with the intent to expand community connections with the college. ”

During his 22 years as president of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Johns has been a part of countless advancements. Programs and degrees, including advanced degrees, have proliferated to meet the needs of the communities the college serves. Enrollment has escalated, and facilities have continued to grow and be improved.

Thus, the excitement of new opportunities at Lake Superior College is tempered with his fond feelings for the college and communities he is leaving.

“Personally, I have shaken hands with more than 13,000 graduating students and countless others, such as business and government leaders whom the college has partnered with to advance education,” says Johns. “I have been part of this community for a long time, and I will miss everyone.”

On July 1, 2010, Johns will become Lake Superior College’s third president since the college was established by the merger of Duluth Technical College and Duluth Community College Center in 1995. He succeeds Dr. Kathleen Nelson, who has served as president of Lake Superior since the summer of 1997.

The process of replacing Johns at Anoka-Ramsey Community College is expected to begin soon.