HELENA – Helena College has announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Vosejpka as its new dean and CEO.
Dr. Vosejpka has a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and English from Ohio State University.
She was previously the founding dean of the College of Sciences and Liberal Arts at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan.
“We are pleased with the announcement of Dr. Laura Vosejpka as the next leader of Helena College,” said Clay Christian, Helena College’s commissioner for higher education. “She cares deeply for students and has the right blend of energy, experience, and vision to further establish Helena College as one of the leading two-year institutions in Montana and beyond.”
With over 20 years of higher education experience, Dr. Vosejpka has served in roles both in the classroom and in administration at Mid Michigan Community College, Northwood University, and Alma College.
“Everyone in Helena is so friendly and welcoming,” said Dr. Vosejpka. “I can’t wait to get out into the community and make connections. I am also looking forward to really getting to know the college community—although everyone was so friendly and open during my interview, I feel like I know them already!”
She is a committee member for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. In addition to her experience in higher education, Dr. Vosejpka has worked for the Dow Chemical Company as a research and development (R&D) specialist and as their global R&D executive communications leader.
“I am so excited to join the team at Helena College,” said Dr. Vosejpka. “I could tell it was an exceptional place right away—everyone was so eager to tell me all of the special things about both the college and the city, and it did not take me long to see exactly what they meant. I have some projects to wrap up at my current institution but am looking forward to moving to Helena as soon as I can.”
In her leisure time, Dr. Vosejpka likes to hike, backpack, and go camping. She is a certified yoga instructor, and she ran her first half marathon in 2018. Dr. Vosejpka also enjoys traveling. She is an amateur welder and metal artist and an avid outdoor photographer.
“My husband, Paul, and I have spent our entire professional lives in Michigan, even though neither of us is a Michigander,” said Dr. Vosejpka. “Michigan is beautiful, but where we are is awfully flat! We always knew that we wanted to move to an area with great outdoor activities, friendly people and a gorgeous setting. Montana was high on our list of potential landing places, and we are so glad that this opportunity has come up for us! We know that all of us, Paul and me and our four dogs, will love it in Helena.”
For more information on Dr. Vosejpka and the Helena College Dean Search, please visit the Helena College website.
