Sundberg Accepts Offer to Become President at Kirkwood
Aaron Frey
Wednesday, December 13, 2017 3:32 PM
Campus News
Galesburg, IL
Carl Sandburg College President Dr. Lori Sundberg has accepted an offer to become the president of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, effective Aug. 1, 2018.
A motion to approve Sundberg’s hiring is on the agenda for Kirkwood’s Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 14. Sundberg shared last month that she was one of four finalists for the presidency at Kirkwood and took part in the final interview process there Nov. 6-7.
“This has been a tremendously difficult and emotional decision for me,” Sundberg said. “Galesburg has always been my hometown, and for more than two decades, I have had the incredible privilege of calling Carl Sandburg College my professional home. However, I considered the chance to lead Kirkwood Community College a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Sundberg will continue to serve as Sandburg’s president through June 30, 2018. A special meeting of the Sandburg Board of Trustees will take place at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 in the College’s board room to begin the search process for Sundberg’s successor.
“Dr. Sundberg has been an incredible asset for Carl Sandburg College and our community for many years. It will be difficult to see her leave, but we are excited for this opportunity for her and wish her nothing but the best at Kirkwood,” said Lee Johnson, chairperson of the Sandburg Board of Trustees. “Replacing a leader like Dr. Sundberg will be a considerable challenge, but we are confident that the next president of Carl Sandburg College will build upon the work she has done and help it remain one of the finest community colleges in Illinois.”
A Galesburg native, Sundberg began her tenure as Sandburg’s sixth president in July 2010. She is the first female president in the College’s history as well as the first to be a Sandburg alumnus. Sundberg began working at the College as an adjunct instructor economics instructor in 1995. Prior to being named president, she also served as Sandburg’s coordinator of institutional research (1996-97); director of institutional research (1997-2002); dean of human resources and organizational development (2003-05); vice president of administrative services (2005-07) and vice president of academic services (2007-10).
“My love for Sandburg and this community will always remain with me, even as I begin this new adventure,” Sundberg said. “It will be painful for me to leave so many wonderful colleagues, co-workers and friends in this community, but I know all these incredible relationships will continue regardless of where I live and work. Sandburg provided me with the educational foundation I needed to change careers and helped open so many opportunities for me. Coming to Carl Sandburg College literally changed my life, and I know it will continue to do that for others who set foot on our campus.”
