When SCTCC’s President, Lori Kloos, walks down the hallway, you know two things are certain: she will be smiling, and she will have two phones in her hand.
One more thing is certain: she will be walking down the hallway.
“That activity never disappoints,” she noted. “I love the opportunity to engage with students, and I always learn something new.”
With nearly 28 years at SCTCC, President Kloos has been here almost six times longer than she anticipated. When she started at the College, she thought it might be a five-year career before looking at the next step. However, after being a part of the SCTCC community and seeing its commitment to making a difference, she has been here ever since, cultivating relationships and connecting with all stakeholders.
Before taking on her current role, President Kloos was SCTCC’s Vice President of Administration; more than once she served as interim president, and in January 2023, she was appointed permanent president by then-Chancellor Malhotra. The appointment was a culmination of all the connections and partnerships she’d nurtured over the years.
“Connection is central to everything I do. Strong relationships help us innovate, respond effectively, and maintain a positive and inclusive culture,” she said. “Connections have also shaped my own career. I’ve learned from others, gained new perspectives, and benefited from people who challenged me to think differently.”
Connecting
While connection is central to her life, as president, she has taken it to the next level. The ever-present phones reflect the two aspects of the life of President Kloos. She and her husband, Gary, have four children and a growing assembly of grandchildren, and she wants to be available to them. Then the work phone is not just a way to connect, but a way to prepare, respond, and be accessible to her colleagues at SCTCC.
One initiative of President Kloos’ when she took on the role of permanent president was to make herself available on a regular basis to anyone who would want to chat; this has been a much-appreciated experience by everyone on campus.
Coffee with Kloos is scheduled at varying times and in different locations on campus to allow everyone the opportunity to take part. There is, of course, coffee. There is also a snack, and there is conversation. Faculty and staff, and sometimes students, drop by to ask questions, give ideas, and discuss issues that come up.
At some colleges, it’s hard to imagine students feeling comfortable enough to drop in to a chat with the president. Not at SCTCC. Students drop in to Coffee with Kloos, and as President Kloos walks the hallways, she will stop and chat with many others. From Nursing to Welding, students know that the president welcomes the chance to learn about their classes, lives, and futures.
A Lifetime of Achievements
On June 8, President Kloos accepted the ATHENA Award from the Central Minnesota Women’s Fund. This yearly award honors an exceptional woman leader who inspires others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.
The lifetime achievement award is based on three criteria:
- Demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
- Provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the lives of others in the community.
- Actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential.
Two of her close colleagues and friends, Vi Bergquist and Sangeeta Jha, were among those who nominated her.
“Working with Lori Kloos was one of the highlights of my career,” said Bergquist. “Lori is one of the most committed and intelligent leaders I have ever known. She has guided some of the most significant initiatives in the College’s history with vision and a commitment to students and the community. Beyond her accomplishments, Lori is a generous person whose kindness, and sense of humor make her a truly exceptional leader.”
If you ask President Kloos about receiving the award, she was very surprised and very humbled. Her long-time work at SCTCC has been so ingrained in everything she does and has been so collaborative that being recognized was unexpected.
“I’ve long admired past Athena award recipients and never imagined I would one day be among them,” remarked President Kloos. “I’ve been fortunate to have many strong women role models who encouraged me throughout my career—leaders like Joan Volkmuth and Joyce Helens (former college presidents) who both believed in me and reassured me that I could succeed—even before I believed it myself. Their support made a lasting impact.”
The collaboration is key, she notes. Surrounding herself with the right people and working with the faculty and staff at SCTCC has made her leadership role easier. “This is an extraordinary community where were work together to transform students’ lives.”
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but we can always be prepared for it to interweave itself in our lives. That’s what President Kloos has been able to do during her time at St. Cloud Technical & Community College; preparation and connection have resulted in a steady difference for her and the College over the last 28 years. The phones help, of course, along with a smile and being available.
President Kloos with her Cabinet members, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees representative, and Commencement speaker Cory Hepola.
President Kloos speaks at Commencement, the best day of the year!
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses partnered with SCTCC to host their Minnesota cohorts. When the groups graduate, they come to SCTCC where President Kloos welcomes them.
President Kloos speaks at the St. Cloud area Blanketing Ceremony held on campus in May.
Senator Amy Klobuchar visited SCTCC's new Aircraft Maintenance Technician lab. Patti Gartland, Lori Kloos, Amy Klobuchar, Daniel Lartson, and Ken Matthews.