Shawn D. Strong is the State Technical College of Missouri's next president.
On July 1, he will succeed Don Claycomb, who's been president of the Linn-based school since 1993.
"I can't say enough about the State Technical College of Missouri," Strong said in a news release.
"When I think of some of the characteristics of excellence in higher education, State Tech seems to have them - whether it is dedicated students, faculty and staff, a focused statewide mission, outstanding academic programming, engaged employers, or impressive facilities."
Strong currently is dean of Business Technology and Communication at Minnesota's Bemidji State University/Northwest Technical College, a regional comprehensive, master's degree institution with about 6,500 students.
His professional experience includes 14 years with Missouri State University, including nine years as head of the Technology and Construction Management Department. He also served as head of MSU's Fashion and Interior Design Department.
Before becoming a faculty member at Missouri State, Strong was a graduate assistant at Iowa State University. He also has worked in business and industry, including as a maintenance technician for Packerland Packing, Hospers, Iowa, and as a maintenance manager at Heritage Industries, Wayne, Nebraska.
Strong graduated in 1993 from Northwest Iowa Technical College, Sheldon, with an associate of applied science degree in mechanical construction technology.
Strong holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management and a master's in business administratioon from Wayne State College, Wayne, Nebraska. He earned his doctorate in industrial education and technology from Iowa State University.
Strong thanked Claycomb for his leadership, which helped make State Tech what it is today.
"As a result of his legacy, I believe this is the most attractive position in the country," he said.
Strong's philosophy is every decision should be routed in the attitude, "What is in the best long-term interest of the student?"
He believes advocacy is the primary role of the president, and that role is much easier when supporting a culture that strives for excellence.
The State Technical College of Missouri is the state's first and only public higher education institution with a statewide mission devoted solely to technical education at the associate of applied science degree level.
"Higher education is changing at an unprecedented rate," Strong said. "I am convinced State Tech is positioned for the positive change that is necessary to not only be competitive, but thrive.
"I am grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started."
Strong and his wife, Amy, who has worked as an elementary school special education teacher, have two children - a son, Lucas, 12, and a daughter, Lexy, 5.