FDLTCC appoints VP of academics

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is happy to welcome Kelly McCalla as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs as of May 23, 2022.

“I am so excited to be at FDLTCC,” shared McCalla, “The work that everyone here is doing to support the students and the unique communities we serve is really special. Plus, as someone who grew up not too far from here, it very much feels like coming home.”

Kelly McCalla grew up in central Minnesota and attended Central Lakes College before transferring to Bemidji State University for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. From 2014 to 2021, he was an academic dean for Riverland Community College and served as Riverland’s interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs for 2 years. In 2021 he accepted a position with Research Square, a global academic editing and research support organization, where he served as an editor and team manager of a group of PhD-level professionals.

Previous appointments include serving as a Marketing Specialist for the 2+2 Management Program with the College of St. Scholastica, a faculty member and later an Academic Dean at Central Lakes College, a Career and Technical Dean at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, and the Assistant to the State Director for the USDA Rural Development Agency in Minnesota.

McCalla has received several awards including: Teacher of the Year at Central Lakes College in 1995, Minnesota State System Administrator of the Year in 2012, a Minnesota State System Best Practices in Diversity award in 2013, was a 2019 Finalist for the Christine M. Imbra Innovative Leadership Award from St. Cloud State University, and in 2021 was named as a Teacher of Excellent by the Riverland Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Students.

Kelly McCalla’s appointment at FDLTCC comes after the retirement of Dr. Anna Fellegy, who worked at the college in a variety of roles for over 23 years.

“I would like to extend thanks and appreciation to Dr. Anna Fellegy for her years of service to Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College,” shared President Stephanie Hammitt, “Much work was done under her leadership and guidance, and we wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

“At the same time, we are happy to have Kelly McCalla as the new VP of Academic Affairs,” continued Hammitt, “Transitions are never easy, but it is an exciting time at the College and we are looking forward to working with Kelly and continuing with our important work.”