Northeastern Junior College has appointed Dr. Linda Merkl, former director of business programs, as its new vice president of academic affairs.
Merkl fills a position vacated last September by Danen Jobe, who left to become director of academic programs and curriculum with the Colorado Community College System in Denver.
“We are thrilled Linda was available for us to fill such a critical role,” said Jay A. Lee, Northeastern’s president. “Linda has done a remarkable job in her role as business department director since joining us nearly three years ago, and her institutional knowledge and overall higher education experience will serve her well.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m looking forward to being a part of such a great team as Northeastern addresses its challenges and opportunities for growth in the months and years ahead,” Merkl said.
Merkl began her career in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. While in the Navy, she earned a bachelor of science in business management, then a master’s in systems management. After her honorable discharge from the military, Merkl earned her Ph.D. in higher education administration, taught at several community colleges in the Denver area, and then at Regis University in Denver before joining Northeastern in October of 2017. Linda and her husband Chris have since made Sterling their home, and are active in the community. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Merkl, who reports to President Lee in her new position, will transition into her new job in January as a new business programs director is chosen.
Media Contact:
Sarah Matthews
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Northeastern Junior College
970-521-6776
sarah.matthews@njc.edu