Dr. Tony Kinkel, chancellor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, has been named president of Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado by Dr. Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).

Kinkel will assume the presidency on February 15, 2007. The vacancy in this position occurred as a result of Joe Garcia taking the presidency of Colorado State University – Pueblo.

“I am pleased to have Dr. Kinkel take over the presidency of Pikes Peak Community College,” said McCallin. “We had many outstanding candidates, several of whom would have served the school well. However, after a rigorous search and interview process conducted by the PPCC and Colorado Springs communities, I believe that Dr. Kinkel’s vision for Pikes Peak will bring some exciting advancements for the college and I look forward to working with him.”

“I would also like to thank Bob Rizzuto for serving as interim president since August when Joe Garcia left to head CSU-Pueblo,” said McCallin. “Bob’s work ensured a smooth transition for the college while we completed the search.”

Rizzuto will be departing on December 31, 2006 and Eva Reynolds, former interim vice president for Administrative Services, will be serving as interim president while Dr. Kinkel relocates to Colorado.

Kinkel was one of three finalists sent to Dr. McCallin by the search committee after a rigorous process that included numerous community forums, interviews, tours, and receptions. Dr. McCallin, in consultation with the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, made the selection.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Presidential Search Committee and by Dr. McCallin. I am anxious to earn the trust of the campus and excited to be at a college so committed to serving its community,” said Kinkel. “This is a great state and a great community. Pikes Peak Community College is at the forefront of offering hope and opportunity for the people of Colorado Springs. I have dedicated my career to making community colleges the college of ‘first choice.’ It’s clear that Pikes Peak Community College is the first choice of many students in the region.”

Prior to his position with the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Kinkel served as executive director for the Maryland Association of Community Colleges in Annapolis and was dean of General Education at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota. He served in the Minnesota State Senate from 1999 – 2000 and was vice-chair of the Senate’s Higher Education Division. In addition, he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1986-1998 and was appointed by the Speaker to chair the Higher Education Finance Division.

Kinkel received his bachelor’s degree in Teaching Social Studies from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Dr Kinkel did his Master’s work at Bemidji State University and was awarded an Ed.D in Higher Education Administration from the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the member of the Leadership Academy program. Kinkel’s dissertation topic was on indicators of effectiveness of higher education governing boards.

Kinkel and his wife, Carrie Ann, live with their two children, Jennifer, age 14, and Kellen, age 5, in Batesville.