Business People: Pakou Yang to lead Normandale Community College

May 24, 2026 - 23:26

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has officially appointed Pakou Yang as the new president of Normandale Community College in Bloomington. Yang, who has been serving as the interim president since June 2025, will now lead the institution on a permanent basis.

Yang steps into the role after a period of interim leadership, bringing a deep understanding of the college's operations and its community. Her appointment marks a continuation of her work guiding the campus through recent transitions. Before her interim role, Yang held various administrative positions within the Minnesota State system, giving her a broad view of the challenges and opportunities facing community colleges today.

Normandale Community College serves a diverse student body and is one of the largest two-year colleges in the state. Yang's leadership is expected to focus on student success, workforce development, and maintaining access to affordable education. The board of trustees expressed confidence in her ability to build on the college's strengths and navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. Yang takes over at a time when community colleges are adapting to changing enrollment patterns and shifting demands from employers. Her experience within the system is seen as a key asset for steering Normandale forward.