KENOSHA, Wis. — Gateway Technical College has selected Dr. Veronique V. Tran as its next president and CEO, marking a leadership transition at one of the region’s key workforce and technical education institutions.
The college’s Board of Trustees announced that Tran will assume the role effective July 1, following the conclusion of current President Dr. Morgan Phillips’ contract on June 30.
Tran brings more than three decades of experience across engineering, research, and higher education leadership, with a career focused heavily on aligning academic programs with workforce needs and regional economic development.
She currently serves as the founding vice provost of the School of Manufacturing & Industrial Technology at Dallas College, where she oversees a large, multi-campus operation serving thousands of students annually and managing extensive academic and workforce training programs. In that role, she has led efforts to expand credential attainment, build industry partnerships, and create direct pipelines from education to employment.
Her background also includes senior leadership positions at Lee College, Lone Star College, Rice University, and the University of Houston, where she was involved in large-scale institutional initiatives aimed at improving student success and strengthening career pathways.
College officials highlighted Tran’s experience in developing workforce-driven education models, including programs tied to high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and engineering. Her work has included collaborating with major employers to create training programs that directly connect students to jobs.
Tran’s leadership style has been described as collaborative and student-focused, with an emphasis on expanding access to education and improving outcomes for students, particularly those pursuing career and technical education pathways.
She is also a former Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, a program that recognizes higher education leaders committed to advancing student success and institutional excellence.
Tran’s personal story reflects her professional focus. A Vietnamese-American and former refugee, she began her academic journey as a first-generation community college student before earning a degree in chemical engineering and later completing a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. Her career began in industry as an engineer with Shell before transitioning into academia and leadership.
Her appointment comes as technical colleges nationwide face increasing pressure to meet workforce demands, address skills gaps, and provide clear pathways to stable, high-paying careers.
With the transition set for July, Gateway Technical College is expected to look to Tran to continue strengthening its role as a regional driver of workforce development and economic mobility.
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8 Responses
we will see. Academically, she is qualified. I wish Gateway the best
“It” looks like a Tran
Lmao 🤣
Another DEI hire
Seems like being some type of school or educational administrator consists of a career looking for the next gig, so wonder if those doing the interview and hiring ever ask the question why are you leaving where you are at?
As a taxpayer would be interesting to see what kind of bennies Gateway hands out….pension, free car perhaps, some type of housing stipend?
The average administrator stays in a position for about 4 years. It is very much a stepping stone to their next gig. they all want to increase spending and building during their gig. So expect construction projects and growth. nothing new here
Why does this career choice result in constant moves and changes ?
Her career has her at, at least 5 colleges that are reported here plus who knows how many more on her way up to the top positions.
As mentioned in another comment, it seems that these “Doctors” in education move around a lot for new challenges. Why is that ?
Is it for higher pay ?
More power ?
More employees to govern over ?
Or do they stay until they piss the board of regents off ?
She can’t be moving here for the weather !!
Not enough snow around here consistently to make outdoor winter activities plentiful.
A couple hundred miles more north to get that.
So if four years is the average stay for a leader in academia, why is that ?