Moraine Park Technical College has selected Caroline Geary to serve as its next Vice President of Teaching and Learning. Effective May 28, Geary will assume her role as part of the president’s cabinet, serving as the College’s chief academic officer.
Geary brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, including extensive knowledge in curriculum, accessibility, and accreditation, as well as strengthening academic pathways that improve student success, degree completion and workforce outcomes.
“The Vice President of Teaching and Learning oversees the College’s largest unit and plays a critical role in supporting faculty, students and staff,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “We were fortunate to have three highly qualified candidates, but Caroline’s skills, combined with feedback from the interview team and employees across the College, demonstrated a clear match with our vision and culture. I look forward to the many ways she will help us continue to move forward and serve our communities for years to come.”
Geary previously served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Curricular Affairs and Student Academic Achievement at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she led institutional strategy for curriculum, academic policy and student success. Geary has held a variety of roles in higher education, including faculty, department chair, associate dean and senior academic leader, before joining executive leadership.
“I’m honored to join Moraine Park Technical College during an exciting period of growth and opportunity,” Geary said. “I look forward to working in collaboration with our committed faculty, staff, and community partners to strengthen teaching and learning, expand access, and ensure our programs continue to meet the evolving needs of students and employers.”
Geary holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Trinity College, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and is a UW System LEAP Fellow and two-time recipient of Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. As a longtime Wisconsin resident, Dr. Geary is deeply committed to collaborative leadership and strengthening educational pathways that serve students, employers and taxpayers.
For more information on Moraine Park, visit morainepark.edu.