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July 17, 1996 - Tony Kuznik Named President of Consolidated Hibbing CollegeTony E. Kuznik, president of Hibbing Community College since 1986, today was named president of the consolidated Hibbing Community College, A Technical and Community College. His appointment was recommended by Chancellor Judith Eaton of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and approved by the MnSCU Board of Trustees. The consolidation, which took effect on July 1, brings together Hibbing Community College and Range Technical College-Hibbing. The new college serves more than 2,500 students. Kuznik and Joe Sertich, president of the technical college, both were considered for the presidency of the consolidated college. "This was a very difficult decision," Eaton said. "We have two presidents--Tony Kuznik and Joe Sertich-- who are extremely well liked and respected in the Hibbing community. They both would have handled the presidency of the consolidated college with tremendous skill. "After careful consideration I concluded that Dr. Kuznik's educational background and experience and his vision for the future fit particularly well with the challenges of a newly consolidated institution." Eaton expressed appreciation to the Hibbing community for advising her on the appointment. She spent last Friday in the Hibbing area, meeting with students, faculty and administrators at the college and with community leaders and legislators. Board of Trustees policy calls for the chancellor to recommend one of the incumbent presidents or to propose a national search when selecting a president for a consolidated college. "It seems to me very important that the leader of the newly consolidated college know the community and the area," Eaton said. "My impression is that the Hibbing community deeply respects the college and feels a strong sense of investment in it. A president from the community is in an excellent position to move the college forward." Kuznik said he was "humbled and honored" by the appointment. "Speaking on behalf of Joe Sertich and myself, we are going to do our utmost to bring this consolidated college together to better serve the greater Hibbing area and the citizens of northeastern Minnesota," he said. Kuznik brings more than 26 years of community and technical college administrative experience to his new position. Before joining Hibbing Community College he served as vice chancellor at the University of Minnesota-Crookston from 1972 to 1986. Previously, he held positions as associate director of test administration and special services with the American College Testing Program and as instrumental music supervisor in the Ada Public Schools. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, an M.S. from Moorhead State University and a B.S. from Bemidji State University. He also has participated in the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University and the Blandin Community Leadership Program. The consolidated Hibbing college is a member institution of MnSCU, a system of community colleges, technical colleges and state universities serving more than 151,000 students at 38 institutions in 46 communities around the state.
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