Writers Choice: LBCC's New President

With the retirement of LBCC President Rita Cavin coming January 31, 2010, Linn Benton was presented with the important task of appointing a new president that will lead LB in a positive direction as Cavin has in previous years. And after much thought and deliberation, Linn-Benton Community College Board of Education has appointed Gregory J. Hamann as the new president of Linn Benton CC. Hamann will assume the duties as LBCC President on February 1, 2010.

Since July 2003, Hamann has been the president of Clatsop Community College in Astoria. Originally from a dairy farm in Minnesota, Hamann has worked for various other colleges and organizations, including a counseling and residence life program at Bethel College, and serving as the dean of administration for Northwest College.

Hamann is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with LBCC, "It is with a sense of excitement and gratitude that I have been offered and have accepted the position of president at Linn-Benton Community College,” said Hamann. “This new position represents a wonderful opportunity for me to continue to contribute and to grow as LBCC and I take on the new opportunities and challenges that we now share.”

Dr. Hamann is extremely qualified for his position, receiving his bachelor's degree in psychology and social studies from the University of Minnesota, a master's in counseling psychology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Gonzaga University.

Being an active person is important to Hamann. He loves to run and does so on a regular basis, and it's reported on the LBCC website that he has been know to surf with students while Clatsop. I look forward to becoming aquanted with Hamann and maybe one day receiving the opportunity to interview him.