Nicolet College in Rhinelander has selected its next president.
Kate Ferrel will be taking over the position in July.
“I am so incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to lead this institution,” said Ferrel.
Ferrel started with Nicolet College in 2014 as the Dean of Students.
She then went on to serve as vice president of Student Affairs and eventually to her current position as executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.
Ferrel told WXPR she has several priorities.
They include continuing the college’s pandemic recovery and getting out into the communities to see how Nicolet College can fill the needs of businesses in the district.
“I’d like to get out and about to the district and understand what sort of problems people are trying to solve and maybe find a way where Nicolet College can be a part of finding a solution for them and the problems they’re encountering,” she said.
Ferrel says she’ll also be focused on the college’s accreditation which is up in 2025.
“Overall, I just want to lead in the style that I’ve always led. I want to serve students and staff with a concierge mindset, and also advocate for and provide access to higher education and equity and higher education,” said Ferrel.
Ferrel replaces Dr. Richard Nelson, who has served as president since 2015. He is retiring this summer.
The Nicolet College District serves all of Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties and portions of Lincoln, Langlade and Iron counties and is one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System.
