Jonathan “JC” Norling has been appointed as the vice president and campus dean of Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs, effective immediately.
Norling has been providing interim campus leadership in Steamboat Springs since Sept. 1, 2020, following the retirement of former campus vice president, Kathy Kiser-Miller.
Previously he had been the associate dean of academic affairs in Steamboat Springs and has also held leadership roles at the CMC Edwards Campus.
“Sometimes you don’t have to look far to find the right candidate,” explained Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, CMC president and CEO.
“JC is a proven leader at our Steamboat Springs campus. He showed great professionalism in his interim role as he guided faculty, staff and students through countless challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Kara Stoller, CEO of the Steamboat Springs Chamber, noted Norling’s appointment is not only a win for CMC, but a win for the Steamboat Springs community.
“Steamboat Springs is a special place because the people here understand the importance of community and collaboration along with honoring tradition and embracing innovation,” said Stoller. “JC has this same mindset, and I look forward to the chamber continuing our strong partnership with Colorado Mountain College.”
Norling added he is ready to roll up his sleeves and continue work with a fantastic group of faculty, staff and students at the Steamboat campus.
“CMC has become like a second home for me,” he said. “And I want the Steamboat Springs campus to be a shining example of the positive impact an accessible and affordable education can have on a mountain town like ours.”
Before joining the Steamboat Springs campus in 2016, Norling worked as the associate dean of academic & student services, director of campus operations and as an instructional supervisor at the Edwards campus. He taught outdoor education as an assistant professor at Lyndon State College (now Northern Vermont University) and recreation management at Utah State University.
Norling has a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from The University of Utah. He earned his Master of Science in Education: Outdoor Recreation Management at Southern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in history from North Park University.
He is also a certified course leader with the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education and a professional member of the American Avalanche Association.