Carleton College Executive and Leadership Team

Nkauj Yang, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President at Carleton College, leads student-driven initiatives focused on cultural expression and community advocacy. Yang architects platforms for diverse student voices to engage with the broader liberal arts curriculum. By organizing events that highlight unique student perspectives, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President fosters an inclusive environment that bridges the gap between classroom learning and extracurricular exploration. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to promote social awareness and campus-wide dialogue. Nkauj Yang drives the strategic vision for MVMNT, ensuring that student activities align with the college's commitment to a vibrant, inclusive community. Through collaborative efforts with other student leaders, the MVMNT Founder and Co-President enhances the overall student experience, contributing to the high levels of engagement and personal development that define the Carleton experience for students from across the country.

Alex Vue, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians at Carleton College, directs advocacy efforts and cultural programming for the Southeast Asian student population. Vue architects initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding within the liberal arts community. By facilitating forums and events, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians ensures that diverse student experiences are represented in the college's vibrant social fabric. This leadership role involves managing organizational resources and collaborating with other student groups to address the needs of a diverse student body. Alex Vue drives the mission of the coalition by fostering a supportive network that encourages academic and personal growth. Through active participation in campus governance, the Co-President - Coalition of Southeast Asians influences the inclusive environment of the college, ensuring that students from various backgrounds feel empowered to explore their interests both in and out of the classroom.

Omar Alsaad, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) at Carleton College, leads efforts to celebrate and educate the campus on Middle Eastern and African cultures. Alsaad architects programming that enriches the liberal arts experience by providing global perspectives to the student body. By organizing cultural showcases and academic discussions, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) fosters a deeper understanding of international issues within the Northfield community. This leadership role involves managing club operations and building partnerships with other student organizations to promote diversity. Omar Alsaad drives the club's mission to create an inclusive space for students from diverse geographic backgrounds. Through consistent engagement with the student population, the President, Middle & African Club (East, North) enhances the college's commitment to a vibrant, inclusive environment, ensuring that all students benefit from a broad, globalized educational experience.

Clara Kappelman, the President at Carleton College, oversees the strategic direction and institutional governance of the college. Kappelman architects the long-term vision for academic excellence, ensuring that the liberal arts curriculum remains competitive and relevant. By engaging with the Board of Trustees and faculty leadership, the President maintains the high standards of teaching and research that define the institution. This leadership role involves managing the college's financial health and fundraising efforts to support student financial aid and campus infrastructure. Clara Kappelman drives the mission of providing an unmatched educational experience by fostering a close-knit community that attracts students from across the country. Through decisive leadership, the President ensures that the college continues to produce graduates who benefit from a strong alumni network and robust post-graduate support, maintaining the institution's reputation as a premier liberal arts college.

Anka Raicevic, the Alzheimer's Buddies President at Carleton College, directs community service initiatives that connect students with local populations. Raicevic architects programs that provide meaningful engagement for students outside the classroom, reinforcing the college's commitment to social responsibility. By coordinating volunteer efforts, the Alzheimer's Buddies President ensures that students gain practical experience while supporting the broader Northfield community. This leadership role involves managing volunteer training and maintaining partnerships with local care facilities. Anka Raicevic drives the organization's impact by fostering empathy and community awareness among the student body. Through these efforts, the Alzheimer's Buddies President contributes to the vibrant and inclusive environment of the college, demonstrating how students apply their liberal arts education to real-world challenges. This work supports the college's goal of encouraging exploration and service, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their post-graduate endeavors.

Steven Poskanzer, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science at Carleton College, provides historical context and academic guidance to the current leadership team. Poskanzer architects advanced political science curricula that challenge students to think critically about governance and public policy. By mentoring faculty and students, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science maintains the intellectual rigor that characterizes the college's academic programs. This leadership role involves contributing to long-term strategic planning and preserving the institutional values that have shaped the college's history. Steven Poskanzer drives academic excellence by fostering a culture of inquiry and debate within the classroom. Through continued involvement in the academic community, the President Emeritus and Professor of Political Science supports the college's mission of providing a transformative liberal arts education, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in undergraduate teaching and student development.

Susan Hammel, the Careers Advisory Board President at Carleton College, directs the strategic alignment between academic programs and professional outcomes. Hammel architects initiatives that connect students with the alumni network, facilitating internships and career opportunities. By overseeing the advisory board, the Careers Advisory Board President ensures that the college's career services remain responsive to evolving market demands. This leadership role involves collaborating with industry leaders to provide students with the resources necessary for high employment rates post-graduation. Susan Hammel drives the mission of supporting student success by bridging the gap between liberal arts education and professional practice. Through the development of robust post-graduate support systems, the Careers Advisory Board President enhances the value of a Carleton degree. Ultimately, Hammel ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate their professional paths, contributing to the college's reputation for producing successful and engaged graduates.

Janet Scannell, the Chief Technology Officer at Carleton College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting a prestigious private liberal arts curriculum. Scannell architects scalable network solutions that facilitate seamless academic collaboration across the Northfield campus. By integrating advanced educational technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures faculty and students access high-performance computing resources necessary for research and classroom innovation. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive institutional data while maintaining an open, inclusive digital environment. Janet Scannell optimizes the technological framework to support 54 majors and minors, ensuring reliability for diverse student organizations. Through strategic investment in modern software platforms, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational efficiency across the college. Ultimately, Scannell secures the technological foundation required for maintaining the high academic standards and close-knit community characteristic of this institution.

Kerstin Cardenas, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Carleton College, manages the talent acquisition and professional development strategies for the faculty and staff. Cardenas oversees the implementation of inclusive hiring practices that attract top-tier educators to the Northfield campus. By aligning human capital initiatives with the broader mission of a liberal arts education, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a supportive work environment that mirrors the college's commitment to community. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and performance management systems that retain high-performing personnel. Kerstin Cardenas drives organizational health by fostering a culture of equity and professional growth. Through proactive engagement with department heads, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term stability of the academic workforce, directly impacting the quality of instruction provided to students.

Kerstin de Cardenas, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at Carleton College, executes labor relations strategies and compliance frameworks for the institution. De Cardenas manages the administrative policies that govern faculty contracts and staff operations, ensuring alignment with national educational standards. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer enhances the operational efficiency of the college's diverse departments. This leadership role involves resolving complex personnel matters and promoting workplace wellness initiatives that sustain the vibrant campus environment. Kerstin de Cardenas drives the development of training programs that empower employees to contribute effectively to the liberal arts mission. Through rigorous oversight of compensation structures, the Director, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the financial sustainability of the college, ensuring resources remain focused on student success and academic excellence.