FDLTTC welcomes new president

The newest president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College already knows the college from the inside out, working in numerous positions since she was hired as a part-time counselor nearly 30 years ago.

Anita Hanson is the fifth president of the college, and the second woman to lead the college, a partnership between tribe and state. Hanson replaces FDLTCC's first woman president, Stephanie Hammitt, who passed away unexpectedly in November after leading the college officially since 2018.

Hanson's inauguration Monday saw both ceremony and celebration as the college amphitheater echoed with drum beats, laughter and applause along with stories and testimonials.

"It is with great honor and humility to stand here as the newly appointed president of this amazing and beautiful institution," Hanson, a White Earth Band member, told the crowd.

Like Hammitt before her, Hanson served as acting president before her official appointment, the latest job in a list that also includes disability services coordinator, athletic director, faculty counselor, dean of student services and vice president of student services and enrollment management.

The new president was officially sworn in by Minnesota State Board of Trustees Chair Roger Moe. Other speakers included Chancellor Olson, Fond du Lac tribal chair Kevin Dupuis, and FDLTCC representatives including board chair Vern Zacher, college director/CEO Dr. Robert "Sonny" Peacock, Dean of Indigenous and Academic Affairs Roxanne DeLille, and president emeritus Larry Anderson. Stephanie Hammitt's daughter, Annika, presented the presidential staff to Hanson during the ceremonies.

"Under the leadership of Larry (Anderson) and Stephanie (Hammitt), and now Anita (Hanson), this place has thrived and prospered," said Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Scott Olson, "... and it just has nothing but a bright future in its unique mission."

Hanson spoke last, beginning in Ojibwe before transitioning to English.

"I aspire to make FDLTCC a preferred institute of higher learning for Native American and non-native students, and this goal will take the efforts of all who work here," Hanson said.

The new president shared a conversation with a FDLTCC alumnus, who told her how much she loved her time at the college, that she learned things she didn't know about the Native American culture and how attending the tribal and community college made her a better person.

"This story is a testament to what we do like FDLTCC," Hanson said. "We believe in equity, and provide higher education access and opportunities to a diverse student population. Our graduates leave us with respect for individual differences and a better understanding of themselves, as non-native and native people. We firmly believe FDLTCC makes our area communities and our state a better place through the education we provide."

Hanson spoke about work on a new strategic plan, and made a "shameless plug" to erect a billboard nearby to enhance the visibility of the college, tucked in the trees off 14th Street near Interstate 35.

FDL Tribal and Community College board member and Cloquet city councilor Lyz Jaakola told the Pine Knot that Hanson is an excellent choice for president.

"She has worked here with each of the four preceding presidents and has a true understanding of who we are as a MinnState campus and tribal college," Jaakola said. "I believe we will see even more outreach with the surrounding communities as we continue to serve our mission of a 'Union of Cultures.' I am very much looking forward to watching the college grow under her leadership."

During her speech, Hanson thanked many in the audience by name: the speakers, the people who organized Monday's event, family, friends, her college volleyball coach and teammates, and her mother, Gloria, who passed away four months ago.

"My mom did not earn a college degree, but she was an intelligent and strong individual who as a single mother took college and continuing education courses to better herself and to provide a good life for her family," Hanson said. "She gave me much encouragement and support as I applied for the president's position. And she is with me every day."

"Miigwech," she told the crowd, for making time to be there on her special day.