Dr. David Hietala has been appointed as dean of academic affairs-extended learning at Riverland Community College. Hietala’s hiring comes after a comprehensive search that presented candidates from across the U.S. and internationally, including India, Nepal, Turkey, Libya and Azuay.

As part of the academic team, Hietala’s primary responsibilities will include on-site coordination on enterprising institution initiatives associated with the Owatonna College and University Center. He will also work with various public and private partners; in addition to leadership for management programs and online learning programs.

“David’s educational background and work experience will provide Owatonna-based site leadership and enhanced teaching and learning opportunities for outreach, online and on the farm,” said Ron Langrell, executive vice president for Riverland.  “Doug Parr, current training and development manager will continue to lead the college’s on-ground programs for business and industry.”

Although Riverland’s presence in the Owatonna community dates back to 1971, the OCUC was recently purchased by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and designated as a third Riverland Community College campus. Hietala will be based in Owatonna, but will work closely with the administrators, faculty and staff at Riverland’s Albert Lea and Austin campuses.

“David is joining Riverland at an exciting time for higher education in Owatonna and throughout the south central and southeast Minnesota region,” Langrell said.

Hietala comes to Riverland from Messiah College in Grantham, Penn. where he was the director of the Harrisburg Institute for Community Research and Collaborative Partnerships.  The “U.S. News and World Report” ranked Messiah College as a top northeast “best” college in 2009.

Hietala is originally from Minnesota. He did his undergraduate work and received a Bachelor of Science in industrial technical studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He earned his doctorate of philosophy in adult and continuing education administration from the Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, with a research focus on transformative learning in community settings. Hietala’s work reflects a special passion for smaller communities and he has developed leadership programs in more than 30 rural communities in Minnesota.

“I’m delighted to join the great team of faculty and staff at Riverland and I look forward to playing a role in higher education here in southern Minnesota,” Hietala said.  “My wife Mary and I look forward to returning to our native Minnesota and becoming part of the Owatonna and greater Riverland community.”