Champlain College announced today that Donald J. Laackman, president of Harold Washington College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, will become Champlain's eighth president, succeeding President David F. Finney who is retiring after nine years on June 30, 2014.

 

Laackman (pronounced "Lock-man") and his wife, Allyson, were formally introduced to the campus community today by Champlain College Search Committee Chair and Trustee Scott Carpenter and Chair of the Board of Trustees Mary Powell. He will begin as President of Champlain College on July 1, 2014.

 

"I am thrilled with the selection of Donald Laackman as the next President of Champlain College. Our search attracted an unprecedented number of incredibly talented applicants, a tribute to the quality of the Champlain College experience.  Don will bring incredible intellect, emotional engagement and vast professional experience to the role.  I cannot think of a person who could better embody Champlain College's "radically pragmatic" approach to higher education," said Powell in making the announcement to the campus community.

 

President Finney added his endorsement to the Board's choice, "My decision to retire after nine years stems from my belief that the College has much to gain from the energy and vision that will accompany a new president. I know that the skills, depth of experience, and leadership Don Laackman will bring to Champlain will build on the great momentum and innovative programs developed  during my time here," Finney said.

 

Laackman told the faculty, students and staff gathered at Alumni Auditorium that, "Higher Education is at a crossroads, with many families questioning the value of a college degree. Champlain College's approach to education is re-writing the rules. Champlain prepares students for careers today while giving them the skills to adapt to a rapidly changing job market. I am excited by the opportunity to lead this entrepreneurial, innovative College and to deliver on the promise of higher education to transform students' lives." He also cited a recent article in 
The Atlantic magazine that described Champlain as the "Ideal College," for its comprehensive approach to education. 

 

He has been president of Harold Washington College since March 2011. Harold Washington College educates more than 13,000 students each year. Before his appointment, he was a principal at Civic Consulting Alliance, where he managed workforce and education programs that included improving career and technical education for 25,000 high school students in Chicago public schools. He was also a managing director at Accenture, a global technology, consulting and outsourcing firm.

 

Laackman received his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a Masters of Public Policy from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Laackman is married to Allyson Laackman, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer for the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. They have two children, Donald and Emily.

 

Please join us in welcoming Don Laackman to the Champlain College community, and look for an opportunity to meet him soon!