Lakes Region Community College names new VP for Academic Affairs

LACONIA — "Lakes Region Community College 'walks the walk' as well as 'talks the talk' is my initial impression," says LRCC's new Vice President for Academic and Community Affairs, Alan Punches about his first month on the job. "The faculty and staff are so devoted at a very personal, very individual level with each student that walks on campus. And trust me that is rare, top to bottom, side to side; there is such a commitment to making sure that LRCC students receive the best service that can be provided. There is something very special about LRCC!"

Punches has been in faculty and administrative positions at eight institutions of higher learning across the USA. He most recently served as associate campus dean/ chief operations ffficer at Ohio University in Zanesville. He has been employed as vice president and academic dean at Northern Maine Community College; director of Adult Degree Studies at Virginia Intermont College; and dean, Arts and Sciences Division, Redlands Community College. Punches taught at Briar Cliff University; Ohio University, Athens, Ohio; Fort Lewis College; and Colorado State University, where he also earned the Doctor of Philosophy in General Experimental Psychology with a graduate minor in statistics.

"One of my main goals is retention, making sure that LRCC students that start here, succeed here, and are prepared for success as they take the next steps in their lives," says Punches enthusiastically. "Workforce development is another critical area; building LRCC as a reliable, talented, creative source for customized business training is essential. Personal enrichment courses also need to be expanded for those who are not seeking a degree, but simply want to learn something new. Community service is an essential part of my job, but for me is an even more important part of being a good citizen and neighbor, so I'll be looking for opportunities to serve wherever I can."

"What a great time to be on board! I am the luckiest guy on the planet, in a great place, with people who are committed to being great at what they do, and serving a great region of the country. I look forward to a very bright future for LRCC," Punches concluded.