by Melissa Newland
Though it’s early in her presidency at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC), Melissa Kiesewetter’s vision is clear. She aims to ensure that KBOCC stands as the premier institution of higher learning in the region, meeting the needs of degree-seeking students,
supporting the local work force through skill and vocational training, and providing top-quality career and technical education for high school students. She took the helm as President of KBOCC Dec. 8, 2025. Born in central Illinois to a family of educators, farmers, and union leaders, she was inspired early on by her family’s passion for education. While she initially envisioned herself teaching in the K-12 system, it was the vibrant and ever-changing world of higher education that ultimately captured her heart. “I fell in love with the energy and the dynamic environment of higher education,” Kiesewetter said about her choice of career. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.