Dr. Cheryl Siemers begins work as KPC Director

July 23, 2021

Dr. Cheryl Siemers has begun her work as the new director of Kenai Peninsula College (KPC). She has taken over the position following the retirement of 19-year college director Gary Turner.

Prior to assuming this position June 21, Siemers served as assistant director of academic affairs at KPC. Before that she served as director of advancement and academic dean at neighboring institution Alaska Christian College.

Siemers has a long-standing commitment to two-year colleges and the diverse communities in which they reside. She has championed and expanded community partnerships, community engagement, multi-disciplinary service-learning and place-based learning while emphasizing the incorporation of local and Indigenous ways of knowing in curriculum development. Siemers has launched initiatives aimed at better preparing students for success, diversifying course delivery modes and expanding access to higher education in Alaska. Additionally, Siemers has served on numerous local and national boards for education.

Siemers earned her Ph.D. in rhetoric and linguistics from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds an M.A. in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Siemers’ first day as director was Monday, June 21, 2021.