There is a new executive in the president’s office at Lake Region State College, and she is no stranger to North Dakota or higher education.
Dr. Carmen Simone started in her role as interim president at LRSC July 1. She was named to the position by the ND State Board of Higher Education in May to lead the college upon longtime LRSC president Dr. Doug Darling’s retirement in June.
In this first month, Simone has jumped into becoming acquainted with not just the campus, but the entire Lake Region and city of Devils Lake, its citizens, organizations, and activities.
“I’m thrilled to be here. My first job is to listen and learn,” Simone said.
The Watford City native was the executive dean at Dakota College at Bottineau since 2022.
“I’ve been part of the North Dakota University System the past three years at a sister college, and I’m excited to leverage that experience to lead LRSC into the future,” Simone said.
Simone has an extensive administrative background and has served more than 30 years in higher education, and specifically she has leadership experience at two-year colleges. Prior to serving at Dakota College at Bottineau, she served as president of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, Neb.
She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and her doctorate from Colorado State University, both degrees in chemistry. She served as vice president of academic affairs at Casper College (Casper, Wyo.) where she also taught chemistry for more than 10 years.
“I believe in the community college mission and I know that we bring incredible opportunities to the regions we serve.”
Earlier in her career, Simone served as vice-president and dean of the University of South Dakota Community College for Sioux Falls (Sioux Falls, S.D.), president of Trinidad State Junior College (Trinidad and Alamosa, Col.), and provost and vice-president of academic affairs at Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston, Idaho).
Simone said it is important to keep all prongs of the community college mission strong and growing and always do what is best for students.
“Access to higher education—including career training and transfer degrees—is essential, but LRSC is also committed to fostering workforce preparation, lifelong learning, the arts, and community development throughout the region,” she said.
She and her husband, Alan, have two grown sons. In their free time, they enjoy walks in the community and Simone said she is a big fan of LRSC events. You will see her at athletic, art, theater, and student organization events, like Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Phi Theta Kappa offers significant scholarship and leadership opportunities to students. It is more than just an honor society that celebrates academic achievement —offering scholarships, leadership development, and career preparation.
"I have great admiration for Phi Theta Kappa. Our advisors and students have built a robust Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, and I am eager to observe the positive contributions these students make within the community," Simone stated.
During these last days of summer before students and faculty return to campus, Simone will continue familiarizing herself with staff, college operations, and leading LRSC, including visits to satellite campuses and program sites.
"The State Board of Higher Education identified a strong fit between LRSC and me. I greatly appreciate being part of this institution, and I am committed to ensuring LRSC reaches its highest potential," she added.
Resident Hall assistants and volleyball team members will arrive in early August. The welcome back breakfast and service award ceremony for all faculty and staff is scheduled for August 20th. LRSC’s Fall
Semester classes commence on Monday, August 25th at 4:00 pm, with student orientation and move-in activities occurring over the preceding weekend.
"There is truly nothing comparable to the first day of classes," Simone remarked.
LRSC will be hosting an open house event to introduce Dr. Simone to the community from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm August 26th in the LRSC Dining Room.