GCC names Patritto president

IRONWOOD — Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees unanimously elected Chris Patritto as the 10th president of the college at their meeting Tuesday evening.

He will begin his position on Jan. 2, 2024.

“Mr. Patritto brings extensive experience working in an educational setting and is well respected and engaged in our local community. He has a proven successful leadership style along with having team building experience, and strong communication skills,” said board chair Susan Beals in a press release. “He is a fiscally responsible budget manager after working with the Hurley Board of Education to eliminate all district debt. He’s also been successful in obtaining numerous grants to help fund various initiatives.”

Patritto, of Hurley, is a GCC alum, lifelong resident of the area, and former teacher and administrator in the Hurley School District. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a master’s degree in educational administration and a District Administrator Certification from UW-Superior.

“When the Board of Trustees interviewed the final three candidates, Mr. Patritto emerged as a top candidate having the characteristics we desired for a strong community college president,” said Beals.

“In his interview, Patritto demonstrated a strong commitment to the community college mission and is a passionate advocate of Gogebic Community College. He has knowledge and experience in areas such as institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, external funding, facilities development, and community engagement,” said the release. “Patritto knows that an environment based on collaboration and consistent, open communication is essential to inspiring and developing teams to propel an institution forward in achieving its goals.”

Patritto began employment with the Hurley School District as a special needs and middle school science teacher in 1987 before moving to the middle and high school principal position in 1997 which he held until 2004 when he became the district administrator. He held that position until his retirement in 2019.

Since retirement, Patritto served as the interim district administrator in the Ashland School District for the 2021-2022 school year. He is currently employed as a Neola Policy Associate working with nearly 60 school districts in the state of Wisconsin to facilitate the development of new policies and guide districts in updating policies to be reflective of current law and trends. He also serves as an executive coach for new administrators in CESA 12.

Patritto was selected from a field of more than 46 applications that was narrowed to nine initially by a Presidential Search Committee, comprised of board members, faculty, staff, foundation, a student and the public. Of the nine interviewed, four were selected as finalists. The finalists were brought to campus for a series of forums for the public, faculty, staff, administration and students, concluding with an interview with the board.

“The public had ample opportunity to view the forums online or attend in person along with providing input regarding their perspective utilizing the feedback form. The board was very cognizant of the survey responses in developing the search and finalizing the results,” said Beals.

GCC was assisted with the search process by a consultant, William Holda, and the Association of Community College Trustees. Holda’s assistance included reviewing the prospective candidates, aiding in the matrix used for rating candidates and working with and supporting the board of trustees through the process, said the release.

In other action, the board approved several new hires. Jared Evans was hired as the new student success coordinator in Houghton. Evans, a Marquette native, holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He brings both knowledge and experience in retention, recruitment and advising to GCC. Evans will begin his duties in mid-January.

Kara Johnson of Middleton, Wisconsin, was hired as a history instructor. Johnson, holds a Graduate Certificate in instructional design from UW-Stout along with a master’s degree in world history from American Public University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Ripon College. Johnson brings many years of teaching students age 14 to adult in a variety of formats. Johnson will begin her duties in January.

Michael Stuber, of Hancock, was hired to handle maintenance needs at the Copper Country Center. Stuber has maintenance experience and will begin his duties this week.

Kris Michel, of Mellen, Wisconsin, was approved as the new career advisor. Michel, holds a bachelor’s degree from Northland College along with a 7-12 teaching certification. She has served as the TRiO coordinator at GCC since 2018 and brings many years of higher education experience advising, teaching, tutoring and providing career exploration opportunities to students. She began her new role on Dec.11. The trustees authorized administration to post for the TRiO coordinator position.

Gogebic Community College will be closed Dec. 23, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024. This includes the Lindquist Student and Conference Center, walking track and gymnasium.

The Spring semester begins Jan. 16, 2024.