Concordia-Moorhead committee recommends new prez

Concordia College

Craft

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Concordia College in Moorhead is close to naming a presidential successor to Pamela Jolicoeur, who died in June after a stroke.

The search committee for Concordia College -- not to be confused with Concordia University in St. Paul, which is also selecting a president -- has recommended William J. Craft, vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa.

The Board of Regents will decide on Craft in the next 7-10 days.

Here's the press release I've just received:

Presidential Search Committee Recommends Craft

The Concordia College Presidential Search Committee has unanimously endorsed Dr. William J. Craft to become the 11th president of Concordia College. The committee is forwarding its recommendation to the Board of Regents. The Board will meet within the next week to 10 days to act on the recommendation.

“We believe Dr. Craft is an excellent fit with the college’s mission,” says Randy Boushek, chair of the presidential search committee. “He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the liberal arts and Lutheran higher education. He is well prepared to lead Concordia.”

Since 2000, Dr. Craft has served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the college at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. During his time at Luther, Craft worked with faculty to revise the curriculum, with the president to design and implement strategic planning, with the full community on initiatives in diversity and sustainability, and with graduates and friends of the college to build resources to support the college mission.

Craft previously worked 20 years at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Maryland as an English professor, including several years as chair of the department. During his last four years at Mount St. Mary’s, he also served as dean of undergraduate studies.

A graduate of Westminster College (Penn.), he earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.