Prior to starting as president of Riverland Community College July 1, I met with more than 30 current Riverland employees and community members to gather information about Riverland’s history, its current path and future needs.

“Helping students” is by far the most common reply to the question: What brings a smile to your face when you think about coming to work at Riverland? That response is consistent with the observation of the consultant who also interviewed several employees for the presidential transition report. He wrote “the college’s faculty and staff members are passionate about the college and very focused on serving students.” This definitely matches my philosophy. I am thrilled to assume leadership of Riverland with that premise.

As we prepare for the new academic year starting in August, I must acknowledge the good work of my immediate predecessors, Dr. Terrence Leas and more recently, interim president, Dr. Kent Hanson. We don’t have to start many things from scratch or reinvent many wheels. I also have to acknowledge the fine work of the current administration, faculty and staff who have contributed to maintaining Riverland’s excellence during the last year of transition.

Many have asked for my vision. A shared vision is better than a unilateral vision. Therefore, I prefer that we go through a process that would lead Riverland to a destination most will embrace as best for the College. It is my responsibility and intention to guide this process in a timely manner. Riverland will always remember that we serve students, employers and our communities at large. Some early priorities of my administration include:

• Attain a successful accreditation report this fall
• Bring stability to the transitioning academic leadership team
• Develop the strategic roadmap for Riverland Community College’s future
• Improve enrollment
• Increase revenue
• Restore the Dean of Student Services position cut from the budget in 2009.
• Seek capital funding to upgrade campus facilities especially in Albert Lea
• Continue to build recognition and services at Riverland’s campus in Owatonna
• Strengthen existing and cultivate new partnerships with business and industry leaders in our campus communities and region.

These priorities outlined above emerged not only from the meetings mentioned above, but also recent employee climate surveys and studies conducted by third party consultants during the past year. Our overarching goal, however, is captured by Riverland’s mission statement: “inspiring learning for living through a personalized educational environment.” In other words the college would meet students’ and community needs using the best of our abilities and resources.

As I begin my work, I have challenged the faculty and staff to find ways to work smarter and harder than ever before. Work balanced with accountability, civility, tact and stewardship. I look forward to working with Riverland and especially the communities surrounding the college. The welcome my wife, Murielle and I have received has been warm and encouraging. I believe that building and nourishing relationships, we will transform Riverland’s various ponds of excellence into a giant ocean of excellence.

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Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland Community College president, holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Ife (Ile-Ife, Nigeria) and a master’s and a doctorate in agricultural engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.