Dr. Chato Hazelbaker became the ninth President of Northland Pioneer College in July 2021. NPC is a non-tribal Native American-serving institution with over 3,000 students. Geographically, NPC is the second largest community college district in the nation. Hazelbaker has made an immediate impact at NPC by completing the strategic plan, helping the college develop its first baccalaureate degree, and working with local communities affected by coal plant closures to expand programs and set a vision for the future.

Over the past 23 years, Hazelbaker has held positions of increasing responsibility at both public and private community colleges and universities. As a member of executive teams, he has led efforts to expand student access and champion student success. His primary responsibilities have included communications/marketing, recruiting, information technology, fundraising, public information, and legislative affairs.

Hazelbaker has served both the profession and the communities where he has lived and worked. He has been a member of several accrediting teams for the Northwest Accreditation Commission, served on statewide committees in Washington and Arizona, and been a member of various service organizations. He frequently speaks at professional development conferences on topics such as change management.

Hazelbaker has a doctorate in organization development from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s from Crown College, and a bachelor’s degree from Rocky Mountain College. Hazelbaker has published three academic book chapters and been published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to organization development. Working as an adjunct faculty member, Hazelbaker has taught communication and organization development classes online and in-person at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.