LA CROSSE, Wis., January 15, 2024 – Western Technical College announced today the promotion of Dr. Josh Gamer to Associate Vice President of Workforce Partnerships and Innovation.

The new role will focus on advancing Western’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) enterprise strategy and fostering strong workforce partnerships to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. This position will lead efforts to integrate AI strategies across the college, enhance classroom and student experiences, and develop innovative workforce solutions through collaborative partnerships.

“These updates position Western to better respond to regional and industry workforce needs while continuing to deliver an exceptional student experience,” said Western President Roger Stanford. “By setting our own enterprise strategy, this not only helps Western, it allows us to grow and lead in the adoption of artificial intelligence and that will help us serve the entire district as it explores and advances this technology.”

Gamer has long held leadership experience at Western. Prior to this role, he served as a Supervisory Management Instructor, Associate Dean of Business, interim Vice President of Academics, and most recently, dean of the Integrated Technology Division. He earned an associate degree in Supervisory Management from Minnesota State College Southeast, a bachelor’s in Business from St. Mary’s University, an MBA from Viterbo University, and a Doctor of Education from UW-Stout.

“I am excited to serve as a bridge between industry and academics; helping to increase agility, responsiveness, and innovation as we continue to serve our communities," said Dr. Gamer. He began this role on Jan. 1.