CVTC News

Dr. Ellen Kirking has been named Vice President of Education at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

 

Dr. Kirking joined CVTC in 1990 as a Nursing Instructor. Later she was selected by her peers to be the Nursing Department Program Director. In 2005 she was promoted to Coordinator of the Health Education programs. She became the Educational Director for all of the CVTC Health Programs in 2008.

 

Dr. Kirking earned her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in Work and Human Resource Education. She holds an Education Specialist graduate degree from UW-Stout, a Master’s in Nursing from UW-Eau Claire, and a Baccalaureate in Nursing from Viterbo University.

 

As the Vice President of Education at CVTC, Kirking will have responsibility for the breadth and quality of all educational offerings at the college. “We examine changing trends that affect our students, their employment, and their careers, and will be working with our partners in education and business to continue to expand opportunities for students,” Kirking said. “We recognize the importance of our partners in helping us to accomplish our mission.”

 

Kirking will oversee more than 50 associate degree and technical diploma programs with a full-time faculty of more than 220 and an adjunct faculty of over 320. CVTC annually provides educational instruction to over 17,000 area residents at seven campuses located through the Chippewa and St. Croix Valleys.

 

Kirking is a reviewer for the Academic Quality Improvement Program, a unit of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, an accrediting body. Kirking is also a participant in the Advanced Chair Academy, a national leadership program for two-year college leaders.

 

“Ellen has distinguished herself in a number of positions at CVTC. She is extremely dedicated to our college and to our district. I am confident that Ellen possesses the skills and vision to lead our faculty and ensure that our college graduates are well prepared for their chosen careers,” said CVTC President Bruce Barker.

 

Kirking replaces Joe Hegge, who retired in September. Her husband, Dan Kirking, is a middle school teacher in the Mondovi school system. The Kirkings have two children in college and another in high school.