Interview with Dr. Tony Kinkel, president of Colorado's Pikes Peak

After being elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at the age of 24, Dr. Tony Kinkel was destined to lead.

He recently became the latest president at Pikes Peak Community College, the second largest community college in Colorado.

Kinkel said the move to Colorado is the highlight of his career.

He recently took time to tell CSBJ about himself and his organization.

Organization: Pikes Peak Community College

Position: President

Hometown: Park Rapids, Minn.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: 40 days

Education: Doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Minnesota. Master's work at Bemidji State University. Bachelor's degree in social science from the University of Minnesota- Duluth

A few words about your organization: Pikes Peak Community College is one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation and is the second largest community college in Colorado. It has a nationally recognized reputation for excellence and is rapidly becoming the first choice for students in the Pikes Peak region.

Recent accomplishments: Being named president of Pikes Peak Community College and having the opportunity to live in a world class community like Colorado Springs is the highlight of my career.

Biggest career break: Being elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives at age 24.

The toughest part of your job: Those of us in public, higher education must do a better job of demonstrating to the taxpayers that investments in public colleges and universities benefit them directly whether they have children in college or not. We must speak the language of the people and translate what we do into people's everyday lives. People genuinely like community colleges. The tough part is translating that affection into a willingness to contribute more of their hard-earned tax dollars to community colleges in order to provide more hope and opportunity for our citizens.

Someone you admire: John F. Kennedy

About your family: My wife, Carrie Ann, and I have two children, Jennifer, age 15 and Kellen, age 5. We recently bought a house in the Academy school district.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: I hope the good Lord lets me live long enough to be a wonderful grandfather.

How your business will change in the next decade: Community colleges will continue to grow dramatically. Our programs will evolve as the economy evolves especially in the areas of allied health, biotechnology and the service industry. Community colleges will be even more focused on training people for jobs that cannot be outsourced to foreign countries. More high school students will take advantage of community colleges while still in high school to get a head start on a baccalaureate degree. Our biggest challenge will be to continue to find faculty of the highest caliber and pay them accordingly.

What book are you currently reading? "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? Change garbage collection fees by charging homeowners a lower fee if they reduce their solid waste by recycling.

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