For LBCC President Greg Hamann, there is no such thing as an average day. There are always people to talk to and communities to connect with.
When you first walk into his office, you’ll notice large windows facing sloped meadows with moss-covered trees. Even in the winter, the landscape was a magnificent emerald green. Though since Hamann's either always on the go or focusing on projects, he hardly has time to admire the view.
"In the perfect weather, you can see the middle of the Three Sisters," he said while gazing outward towards the mountains.
Hamann is serious about maintaining an efficient institution, advocating college completion and communicating with various organizations in and out of our school’s community.
But he's not all business -- he's even been known to surf with students during his time at Clatsop Community College. Though he’ll be the first to admit he’s not the world’s best surfer, Hamann says educating yourself in other areas is essential for character building.
“I think it’s important that we learn to do things we’re not good at,” said Hamann. “If we only do things we’re good at, it’s pretty limiting.”
Hamann enjoys physical activity in general. He goes running every afternoon and currently has plans to climb Mt. Rainer in the summer.
“I think everyone needs to do something that forces them to look inside themselves,” he said when referring to his outdoor adventures.
Roots as a teacher
Hamann was born on a dairy farm in Minnesota. He’s lived in many cities throughout the country, including Chicago, Spokane, Wash., Powell, Wyo. and Astoria, Ore. Hamann started his educational career as a teacher, and spent 15 years in administrative positions at many private liberal arts colleges before becoming president at Clatsop Community College.
When recalling his experiences at Clatsop, Hamann knew it was a task he was prepared for.
“The school was terribly challenged through accreditation and facility issues,” said Hamann. “During my time there, we solved every one of those, and so I decided it was time to do something else.”
As soon as he heard LBCC needed a new president in 2010, following the retirement of former president Rita Cavin, Hamann knew he needed to apply.
“I still love Astoria, but [LBCC] is where I need to be,” he said.
His first day at LBCC was on Feb. 1, 2010.
Spirited involvement
Renee Windsor-White, executive assistant to the president, remembers one of her first moments working with Hamann. During an inservice back in 2010, Hamann actually wore the roadrunner costume.
“He’s very creative,” she said when recalling the events. “He’s been involved since day one.”
Audiences roared in excitement as Hamann removed the roadrunner mask. When giving his speech, he brought up the topic of “beaver or duck,” stating he was most proud to be a roadrunner.
His involvement with the students didn’t stop there.
In January 2011, Hamann switched places with Ivan Merlin, a student who had won the opportunity to become president for a day. Casually dressed in a yellow LBCC hoodie and bluejeans, Hamann attended all of Merlin’s classes and activities.
“He loved it,” said Carol Schaafsma, LBCC’s executive vice president of academic affairs and workforce development, when describing the day. “Greg is eager to know and understand the student experience at LBCC, and this day gave him a chance to experience being a student.”
Windsor-White also remembers the event in January, as she finished describing his overall passion for both LBCC and his position here.
“He’s a big picture kind of guy,” she said. “You have to be in this job.”
Devoted leader
Schaafsma has always been impressed with his ability to help groups stay focused on their purpose.
“He thinks deeply about the issues and opportunities our students face, our employees face, and our college faces,” she said.
During his time at LBCC, Hamann’s primary focus has been on completion. He believes in students finishing what they’ve started, and not just at LBCC. Hamann says students must be prepared, whether it’s setting foot into the workforce or transferring to a four-year university.
“They’ll be more successful, and our communities will be more successful as a result,” said Hamann. “That’s the goal, and we as a community college need to work very hard at being more effective in that area.”
As LBCC moves forward, Hamann hopes to maintain a learning environment that caters to every individual’s needs. He realizes there are many great challenges ahead, and
“We’re all human,” Hamann said. “This is supposed to enrich our lives, so I think we need to be really careful, and that’s a great challenge for us.”
At a glance...
Greg Hamann, President, Linn-Benton Community College (Feb. 2010-present)
Birthplace: Minnesota
Education: M.A., Conseling Psychology, Ph.D., Educational LeadershipFavorite activities: Running, hiking, surfing, reading.
Contacts:
E-mail, windsor@linnbenton.edu
LBCC Administration website
