Anoka Tech Welcomes New Leaders

A version of this story originally appeared in our 2024 newsletter. View other featured stories

We are pleased to welcome these new administrators to our community.

Steve Crittenden, Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Steve Crittenden began his service as interim vice president of academic and student affairs in July 2024.

Since 2019, Crittenden has served as the interim vice president of academic and student affairs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Prior to that, he was the dean of Student Affairs at the Anoka-Ramsey Cambridge Campus.

“I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, and faculty in this new role,” said Crittenden. “As educators, we are blessed with the responsibility to positively impact students’ lives. It is this philosophy that helps guide me every day. Throughout my professional career I have been fortunate to serve as a professional staff member, coach, instructor and administrator in both academic and student affairs. My hope is to be able draw upon all these experiences to work collaboratively with our faculty and staff to give our students the best possible educational experience in and out of the classroom.”

Crittenden’s experience in higher education extends over more than 25 years. He held multiple positions at Vermillion Community College and was the dean of student development and campus dean at Northland Community & Technical College. Crittenden also served on the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Executive Committee including terms as the vice president and president.

Crittenden holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in educational leadership.

Thom Nordin, Dean of Community Partnerships and Student Success

Thom Nordin joined Anoka Tech as dean of community partnerships and student success in September 2024.

“As a first-generation college student, I recall the challenges of navigating the college experience and how guidance from caring staff and faculty helped me find my way. Helping students get to, get through, and thrive in college is a mission that is close to my heart,” Nordin says. “Anoka Technical College has been a pillar of higher education and training in the north metro for many years and I am excited to continue my support of student success in partnership with Anoka Tech staff, faculty and administrators.”

His career in higher education is distinguished by his contributions to the success of students in the classroom and beyond.

Nordin brings extensive experience in higher education to the role. Most recently, he has served as interim dean of student affairs at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. In addition to that role, Nordin served as Anoka-Ramsey’s interim associate academic dean, TRIO SSS director and TRIO SSS advisor.

Eric Blankenburg, Interim Academic Dean

Eric Blankenburg began his appointment as Anoka Tech’s interim academic dean in August 2024.

Blankenburg has been an English instructor and member of Anoka Tech’s general education faculty since 2018. During that time, he served as general education department chair, chaired the college’s Academic Affairs and Standards Council and was legislative liaison for his faculty union.

He says he sees the new role as a chance to contribute to the college’s success by employing strengths and experiences.

“I think this opportunity puts a lot of my best skills to use like communication, problem solving and empathy,” he says. “It seemed like a good continuation of my motivation to help others succeed where I can.”

 Blankenburg holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English.