In an effort to ensure a welcoming climate that provides an opportunity for success for all who enter its doors, Anoka-Ramsey Community College (ARCC) has hired Keith Brooks as the Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.

“Our strategic plan includes setting goals to foster diversity across all areas of the college,” says Dr. Patrick M. Johns, ARCC President. “We developed this new position to examine and develop best practices that ensure Anoka-Ramsey Community College is serving all students effectively. Keith Brooks’ personal and professional background best suited the job. We welcome him to our two campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids.”

Keith Brooks is the Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Brooks brings a wide range of professional experience to this new position at ARCC. His previous work includes serving as District Executive for the Indianhead Council of the Boy Scouts of America where he developed youth and community education programs, participated in capital fundraising, and diversity orientation. Brooks also spent five years providing educational consulting, specifically staff development, employee recruitment and retention, and public speaking within the Twin Cities area.

Brooks’ most current position was an Independent Living Skills Coordinator for YouthLink. In this role, he built relationships with businesses, corporations and employers to increase job placement for homeless youth. YouthLink serves youth who are in transition and may show indicators of becoming homeless. The organization serves a population that includes ages 15-20, the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) community, numerous cultural and religious backgrounds, and provides resources for individuals with mental health concerns.

“A combination of my professional work and life travels have prepared me for this position at Anoka-Ramsey Community College,” says Brooks. “Over the past five years, there has been an influx in the number of languages spoken and cultural and religious backgrounds represented in this area. My role at ARCC at this preliminary stage is to take an inventory of the college’s daily processes and level of progress related to diversity efforts. I look forward to developing a strategic plan for Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s diversity and multicultural affairs.”

Brooks earned his bachelor degree in English Education from Xavier University of Louisiana, a Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota and continues his enrollment as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota (U of M). He is also teaching a graduate level course at the U of M Twin Cities Campus on diversity issues within work, community and family settings.

ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 9,700 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers. In 2004, more than 7,300 registrants participated in ARCC Continuing Education and Customized Training Courses. ARCC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.