The Role of the Community College System, the Transformations it Enables, and Student Needs

Dr. Barb Curchack is Interim Associate Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Normandale Community College. After earning her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuropsychology and teaching psychology at four-year institutions like Augsburg University, she found vocation at Inver Hills Community College, an open-access institution that recognizes the potential of higher education for all. In 2020, Dr. Curchack moved into a dean role where she could affect policy and initiatives that support open access to higher education. This student focus has driven her professional work, which now includes executive leadership of Normandale's Center for Teaching and Learning, Library, K-12 Partnerships, Student Learning Assessment, Faculty-Led Travel, and collaboration between student affairs and academic affairs. Outside of work, you can find Barb at the loom or on a trail.