Central Lakes College President Charlier to leave school after 10 years

BRAINERD — Central Lakes College President Hara Charlier is leaving the school after 10 years.

She accepted the presidency at Berkshire Community College in Massachusetts, which allows her to be closer to family, according to a news release from CLC.

The release said under her leadership, the college redesigned its student experience to better serve underrepresented populations, strengthened its focus on upward social and economic mobility and fostered a campus-wide culture of caring.

The college also launched more than 20 new academic programs and strengthened its finances and community presence.

“Dr. Charlier’s kind, caring, and thoughtful nature brought tremendous and effective leadership to Central Lakes College through these challenging times,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson in the release. “The tone she set was exemplified by the many times CLC has been recognized as a “Great Place to Work,” a designation that was the envy of all. Hara always kept students at the center of her thoughts and actions. Her style was not only a benefit to both CLC campuses and the communities of Brainerd and Staples; that same leadership shone brightly across the state as we addressed issues to help Minnesota prosper.”

Charlier's last day is June 30. The Minnesota State Board of Trustees will appoint an interim president in May. A national search for the next president will begin in the fall.

“It has been an honor to be part of the Central Lakes College family and the communities we serve,” Charlier said in the release. “I am grateful to my CLC colleagues who always go above and beyond, and I am incredibly proud of the work we have done together to transform students’ lives and strengthen our communities. This college will always have a special place in my heart.”