Dr. Hara Charlier took her post as president of Central Lakes College in 2016. During her tenure, the college has experienced growth at a time when nationwide community college enrollment is falling, expanded its commitment to sustainability with solar arrays on each campus, renovated facilities to better serve students, and launched new programs to meet the region’s workforce needs. Dr. Charlier considers relationships to be the foundation of any successful organization. Under her leadership, the employees of CLC have worked to build a strong culture focused on people and voice. Recently, the college was recognized as a 2019 Great College to Work For, achieving elite Honor Roll status by the program.

Prior to joining Central Lakes College, Dr. Charlier served as vice president of instruction and student services at Virginia Highlands Community College. Previously, she held leadership and faculty roles at Blue Ridge Community College in Virginia. Dr. Charlier lives in Nisswa, Minnesota, with her husband, Russ, and a menagerie of animals. They have two adult daughters, Devon and Lili.