New Western Technical College president ready to begin first year

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - Kirk Bennett is stepping into the presidential role at Western Technical College following the retirement of former president Roger Stanford.

Bennett brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously taught corrections education in Oregon and most recently serving as the vice president of administrative services at Lone Star College-Montgomery in Texas.

“I’m not only new to Western, I’m new to Wisconsin,” Bennett said. “The system is different, the state legislation is different, and the laws are different. I’m just listening and learning from the people who have been here a lot longer than me.”

As he takes the reins, Bennett’s immediate goals include strengthening regional industry partnerships and boosting local workforce development.

“There are a number of ways to keep that going,” Bennett said. “Number one is to be out there, be involved. I’ve met with state, local, and even federal elected officials. We’ve been able to host different industry partners here and give them tours of some of our areas, just keeping those conversations alive.”

He emphasizes that an outstanding student experience is built on a foundation of exceptional staff and programs.

“With that comes really good equipment and all of those things that students need,” Bennett said. “Whether they’re here to transfer to a 4-year university, or earn their certificate or associate’s degree and go right out into the workforce, we have to have faculty and staff that are absolutely committed to every student, every day. I think we do have that.”

Bennett adds that education and training can be the vehicle for social and economic mobility, which helps provide high-quality opportunities for students.

“That helps them change their lives and benefits the whole region,” Bennett said. “That’s the main thing—social and economic mobility and increasing the vitality of this region. One way to do that, a massive way to do that, is through education and training.”

Bennett officially began his role as president on August 1.

The search process started earlier this year with help from the executive search firm AGB Search, and Bennett was selected in June.