Riverland Community College named Barbara Embacher as new vice president for academic and student affairs starting July 23.

Embacher has more than 25 years of experience, leading teams that support student and regional economic success, according to Riverland officials.

“I’m thrilled Ms. Embacher will become part of the new leadership team we are building,” said Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland college president. “Her commitment to fostering a culture of respect, equity and collaboration will serve the students, area businesses, and our Riverland team well.”

Embacher’s main office will be on the Austin campus, but she will also work closely with faculty and staff on all three campuses included Albert Lea and Owatonna.

Embacher recently served as interim vice president of student and academic affairs for South Central College in Mankato and Faribault. She joined the college

in 2013, and worked in various campus and system roles such as dean of workforce education and training and the dean of career and technical education. Embacher also provided leadership to the customized training and continuing education division, and led many projects and grants for the college.

Embacher is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in higher education leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and a bachelor’s degree in special education and vocational rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

She also had extensive experience creating business education partnerships addressing local employer workforce needs, and expanded career opportunities for students in high-wage, high-demand careers. She served as vice president of Greater Mankato Growth for six years, engaging leaders and employees from more than 800 businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities leading to community and talent development programs such as Leadership Institute, Young Professionals, Envision2020, Inter-City Leadership Delegations, the City Center Partnership and overall community and economic development strategies enhancing regional vitality.

Embacher also taught teachers pursuing their master’s degrees at Minnesota State University, Mankato as part of the adjunct faculty, and teaching high school students in special education and career and technical education for 14 years in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Mankato.

She also worked in the Mankato Area Public Schools as a transition coordinator and teacher, and served on local school board. She built regional programs and events such as Minnesota, like Career Expos, Career Pathways, Dual Training, Dual Credit and Transfer Pathways.

Embacher stated that she was interested in inspiring others and believes in lifelong learning while helping individuals reach their goals.

“We’re in the incredible business of changing people’s lives,” Embacher added.