Josh Gamer

Dr. Josh Gamer is the Associate Vice President of Workforce Partnerships and Innovation at Western Technical College, where he leads enterprise-level strategy in artificial intelligence, workforce development, and institutional partnerships. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning manufacturing and higher education, he has overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, helped secure over $8 million in grant funding, and cultivated more than $9 million in industry partnerships to advance student success, faculty development, and academic innovation.

A graduate of Minnesota State Southeast, Dr. Gamer holds an Ed.D. in Career and Technical Education from UW–Stout, an MBA from Viterbo University, a BS Business from Saint Mary’s University of MN, and advanced education in AI leadership from MIT and Stanford. He has launched new academic programs, micro-credentials, and international exchanges, while also leading major facility projects such as trades, innovation, horticulture, and apprenticeship centers.

Dr. Gamer’s roles within higher education include Faculty, Associate Dean, Business and Industry Trainer, Dean, Interim VP Academics, and AVP Workforce Partnerships and Innovation. Widely recognized as a thought leader, and frequent key-note speaker, Dr. Gamer has published in international journals, presented at state and national conferences, and has been featured in industry podcasts. His career reflects a passion for bridging education and industry, driving innovation, and expanding lifelong access to learning opportunities.