Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. - Dovre to Lead During Transition

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Dovre to Lead During Transition

Dr. Paul Dovre promised to "lead the way and stay out of the way" as he began serving as the college's interim president Wednesday, June 30.

Dovre succeeds Dr. Pamela Jolicoeur, who died June 9.

Jolicoeur positioned the college for a promising future and established a vision that will now be carried forward by another strong leader, said Ron Offutt, chair of the Board of Regents, at a news conference.

"Paul is the perfect fit to lead us through this transition," Offutt said. "The wisdom and experience he brings are unmatched in higher education."

Dovre retired as Concordia's eighth president in 1999 and served as its interim president in 2003-04. He also has remained active in higher education through roles as a visiting scholar at Harvard University, interim dean of students at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and interim president at Capital University.

For Dovre, the decision to serve Concordia again was heartfelt. A 1958 Concordia graduate, he returned as a member of the Concordia faculty in 1963 and remained until his retirement.

"Next to my family and faith, this college has been at the center of my life," he said. "I'm here to do what I can."

Dovre understands the Concordia community and the issues it faces, making him a good choice to lead the college during a time of transition, said Dr. Polly Fassinger, director of institutional research.

"He's well respected and a wonderful gift to this place," she said.

His appointment also will please alumni across the decades, said Karen Carlson, director of Alumni Relations.

"They know he has a passion for this place and its people," she said. "He is committed to our mission and is the right person for the job."

Dovre pledged to maintain the momentum established by Jolicoeur and identified three priorities: moving forward on a master plan for the campus, launching the program and facility for the School of Business and completing a strategic plan for the next five years.

A presidential search committee made up of faculty, alumni, administrators and members of the Board of Regents will start its work in August, Offutt said.

Posted: Noon, Wednesday, June 30, 2010