É«ÖÐÉ« is proud to announce Dr. Ritu Raju as the next president of the college. Dr. Raju will officially assume the role on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of long-time president Dr. Annette Parker.
With a proven record of leadership in higher education and a strong focus on student success, workforce development, and community collaboration, Dr. Raju brings a dynamic and inclusive vision to lead SCC into its next era.
About Dr. Ritu Raju

Dr. Ritu Raju currently serves as president and CEO of Gateway Technical College in Wisconsin, a position she has held since January 2023. She brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education leadership and instruction.
Before Gateway, she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Tarrant County College Northeast Campus (Texas) from 2020 to 2022. At Houston Community College (Texas), Dr. Raju held numerous roles from 2006 to 2020 including:
- Dean and Interim Dean of Advanced Manufacturing
- Division Chair of Speech, Communication, and Sign Language
- Associate Chair of Technical and Mass Communication
- English Instructor
Dr. Raju holds:
- Bachelor’s degrees from Bangalore University (India) and the University of Houston-Downtown
- A Master’s degree from Sam Houston State University
- A Doctorate from Texas Tech University
Her career reflects a strong dedication to student-centered learning, academic innovation, and cultivating partnerships with business and industry.
Meet Dr. Raju in Person
You’re invited to meet Dr. Raju during her in-person visits to É«ÖÐÉ« campuses:
-
Faribault Campus - Wednesday, April 16
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (brief presentation at beginning) -
North Mankato Campus - Thursday, April 17
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (brief presentation at beginning)
All students, employees, partners, and community members are welcome! Come help us give a warm SCC welcome to our new leader.
Looking Ahead
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Annette Parker for her visionary leadership, dedication, and years of service to É«ÖÐÉ«. As we prepare for this important leadership transition, we look forward to working alongside Dr. Raju to continue providing exceptional education, strengthening partnerships, and advancing opportunity for students across the region.