Joy Bodin Named Hennepin Tech Interim President

The Minnesota State Board of Trustees unanimously approved an interim president for Hennepin Technical College on Wednesday.

Joy Bodin will become interim president, effective June 1. She was selected from four finalists.

Bodin will come to Hennepin Tech from Central Lakes College in Brainerd, where she is currently vice president of academic and student affairs, a position she has held since 2017. She previously held a variety of posts over a 25-year span at Hennepin Tech, including director of marketing and admissions, dean of industry, interim dean of students and most recently as academic dean.

Bodin replaces Merrill Irving, who resigned in February after multiple allegations against him of workplace harassment.

Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra described Bodin as “a collaborative leader who speaks with honesty and integrity.”

He added, “I’m confidant she will successfully navigate the college through this difficult transition.”

‘I’m So Excited About This Journey’

Hennepin Technical College, which has campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, is the largest standalone technical college in the state.

Chancellor Malhotra said the college intentionally followed an inclusive and open process in its search “in order to rebuild credibility and regain the trust of [the] Hennepin Technical College community.” He said he met with both campus student presidents and sought feedback from faculty members.

After the approval, Bodin told board trustees that she “can’t wait ’til June 1.” She then spoke glowingly of the college’s history.

“I’m so proud of the tradition of workforce training, both with credit and non-credit. It is an amazing college,” she said. “I’m so excited about this journey.”

Bodin holds a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and a master’s degree from Capella University.

Since February, Jessica Lauritsen has served as the college’s acting president. Lauritsen is also the college’s vice president of student affairs.

Brooklyn Park