South Central College (SCC) has named Tina LeBrun to the position of Executive Director of the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence. She will begin in the role on October 11, 2023.
Established in 2013 as a Minnesota State system Center of Excellence, the Center today includes seven member colleges and universities: South Central College, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Riverland Community College, Rochester Community and Technical College, Dakota County Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota State University, Mankato.
"Tina’s experience both in the field and as an educator makes her an ideal fit for this role,” said SCC President Annette Parker. “I am excited to watch the future of the Center unfold under her leadership.”
LeBrun has more than 15 years of experience working with faculty, staff and students in higher education. She currently serves as a Farm Business Management Instructor for SCC, a position she has held since January 2009, and holds the position of Past President for the National Farm and Ranch Business Management Educator Association (NFRBMEA). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Economics and Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Master's in Education from the University of Minnesota. Born and raised on a dairy/crop farm in south central Minnesota, LeBrun and her husband are also active producers and currently reside on a cattle farm in Lafayette, MN.
Based on SCC’s North Mankato Campus, which serves as the lead institution for the Center, LeBrun will further the organization’s mission of aligning students with the resources of academic institutions and industry to develop and sustain the workforce needs of agriculture in Southern Minnesota.
“I look forward to continued work with farm producers, supporting our ag educators and students, and strengthening relationships with ag business and industry,” shares LeBrun. “I have a strong passion for both agriculture and education, and as a farm producer I believe it is our responsibility to advocate for this great industry.”