BENTON TOWNSHIP — Lake Michigan College is embarking on the home stretch of its presidential search, after hosting three candidate finalists on its campuses last week.
On Tuesday, the LMC Board of Trustees narrowed the pool to two candidates: Trevor Kubatzke and Jon Mandrell. A final decision is expected within the next 30 days after further referencing.
Kubatzke is the vice president of student services at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He holds a doctorate in education administration in community college leadership from Walden University, a master’s degree in education administration from Missouri State and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Mandrell is the vice president of academics and student services at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois. He holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University, and a master’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration from Western Illinois University.
Another finalist, Rebecca Woods, was not chosen to move forward and while another, Orinthia Montague, withdrew her application.
The front-runners were selected from a pool of 92 applicants, who were evaluated on how well they matched a robust list of criteria ranging from leadership experience and fiscal management, to demonstrated success collaborating with business, government and K-12 education.
During their visits, candidates met with students and employees, and participated in public interviews conducted by LMC’s Board of Trustees. All participants were invited to submit feedback about the candidates for the board’s consideration.
More than 167 reviews were collected by the higher education executive search firm, Pauly Group.
LMC’s new president will join the college during a time of significant growth following a successful millage campaign, the opening of its new Hanson Technology Center, a planned Wine and Culinary Education Center and substantial classroom technology and campus improvement projects, college leaders said.
“We were impressed with the number of high caliber, experienced leaders who expressed a desire to take on the important role of advancing LMC’s mission,” said LMC Board of Trustees Search Committee Chair Mary Jo Tomasini. “We all got to know the candidates during their visits, and we were fortunate to have such strong applicants from which to choose.”
More about the search can be found online at lakemichigancollege.edu/president.