Nicolet College welcomes two new deans

RHINELANDER – Nicolet College last month welcomed two new academic deans.

Bojan Ljubenko has been named Dean of Applied Technology and Trades, and Amber Laffin has been named Dean of Public Safety and Transportation. 

In a release, Nicolet said Ljubenko and Laffin will “provide leadership for key instructional areas supporting workforce training and student success across the Northwoods.”

Their appointments follow a recent retirement and a promotion at the college.

“Both Dr. NEWS-Nicolet Deans-1-260610and Dr. Laffin bring strong leadership experience, a commitment to student success, and a deep understanding of workforce-focused education,” said Bobbi Fields, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Their backgrounds in higher education, strategic leadership, and industry-connected programming will help strengthen opportunities for students while supporting the workforce needs of our region.” 

Ljubenko most recently served as Director of Institutional Strategy and Effectiveness at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he led cross-functional teams focused on institutional effectiveness, financial modeling and strategic planning. 

Ljubenko earned a doctoral degree in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University, a Master of Business Administration from Regis University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Denver. He also brings almost ten years of teaching experience in business and applied research, Nicolet said.

As Dean of Applied Technology and Trades, Ljubenko will oversee programs including Welding, Metal Fabrication, Electromechanical Technology, Field Service Technician and Information Technology. He will support faculty and staff while strengthening partnerships with local businesses.

Ljubenko began his role at Nicolet College in April. 

Laffin joins Nicolet after serving as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Criminal Justice program at Bemidji State University, where she led the Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program. Nicolet noted that she also brings valuable field experience, having served as a probation and parole officer in Minnesota and Wyoming.

Laffin earned a doctoral degree in Criminal Justice from National University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota. 

As Dean of Public Safety and Transportation, Laffin will provide leadership for programs including Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Training, Emergency Medical Services, Firefighting, Traffic Safety and Automotive Technician programs.

Laffin began her role at Nicolet College in May. 

“These leadership additions reflect Nicolet College’s ongoing commitment to high-quality workforce education and strong partnerships with the communities and industries we serve,” Fields stated.