Waukesha County Technical College District Board of Trustees names two finalists in presidential search

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Friday, Sept. 25, 2020) – After a comprehensive national search, the Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) District Board of Trustees has selected two finalists from a pool of 60 applicants for the position of College president. The finalists are Richard Barnhouse, Ph.D., and Laurie Borowicz, Ed.D.

Barnhouse is the vice president of Student Services and Enrollment Management at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, a position he has held since 2016. He previously served as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin Colleges from 2011 to 2016, dean of students at Moraine Park Technical College from 2007 to 2011, and assistant campus dean for Administrative Services at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan from 2004 to 2007. He earned a doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree from Brock University in Ontario, Canada.

Borowicz is president of Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill., a role she has held since 2016. Prior to her leadership at Kishwaukee College, she spent 16 years in various roles at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wis., including vice president of Student Services from 2009 to 2016, dean of K-16 Relations and Student Success from 2007 to 2009, and director of K-12 programs from 1999 to 2007. She earned a doctorate from Edgewood College, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

“The District Board is pleased to bring forward two candidates who truly represent the leadership qualities WCTC and the larger College community are seeking in a president,” said David Lancaster, chair of the WCTC District Board. “Both of these leaders are focused on student and employer success; relationship building inside and outside the College; a welcoming, inclusive and responsive College for all; and strong stewardship on behalf of taxpayers.”

Now that the two finalists have been announced, the College is planning to move forward to host interviews and events on Monday, Oct. 5. The district board is planning “meet the candidate” events with virtual options to maximize broad participation and public health interests.

WCTC is being assisted in the search by Don Stevens + Associates Executive Search. Paul Gabriel of DS+A noted: “From day-one, the district board has sought College and community input on the experience and attributes required of a great president. Among 60 candidates, these two truly represent that high level of leadership.”

The College plans to hire for the presidential position later in fall. The new president will follow Kaylen Betzig, who has led WCTC with distinction since 2014, capping a career of more than 31 years of service to the Wisconsin Technical College System. Betzig will officially retire at the end of December.