La Crosse, Wis., May 14, 2026 - Western Technical College has named three finalists to succeed President Roger Stanford, who will retire in August 2026. The college will welcome the candidates to campus the week of May 18, 2026, for interactive interviews and community engagement.
During their visit, each finalist will spend a day and a half on campus engaging in interviews with the Board of Directors, connecting with employees, and participating in sessions with students and community members.
Open forums will provide opportunities for students, employees, and community members to meet the finalists and share their perspectives. To ensure everyone can participate, forums will be accessible both in person and online.
Everyone who interacts with the candidates will be invited to share their feedback through a brief survey. Consultant company AGB Search will thoughtfully compile these insights and present them to Western’s District Board.
Search Committee Chair and Board member Chet Doering expressed appreciation for the impressive and competitive pool of candidates. He noted that the search team carefully reviewed applications and conducted interviews with eight exceptional semifinalists.
“The selection of these finalists reflects the committee’s careful and thorough approach to identifying Western’s next president,” said Doering.
With the initial search process now complete, attention turns to the individuals selected as finalists. The following candidates represent a range of backgrounds and leadership experiences, each prepared to guide Western Technical College into its next chapter.
Presidential Finalists
Wade Hackbarth
Wade Hackbarth is Vice President of Finance, Operations, and Workforce Development at Western Technical College, where he has held various leadership roles for over 22 years. He helped lead major campus renovation and construction projects tied to an $80 million community-supported facilities referendum.
Hackbarth previously worked in public accounting and private industry and remains active in regional and statewide leadership organizations. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
Community Members and Student Open Forum: Tuesday, May 19, 2026; 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Coleman Center, room 123, or on Zoom.
Dr. Kirk Bennett
Dr. Kirk Bennett is Vice President of Administrative Services at Lone Star College-Montgomery, serving as chief financial, administrative, and compliance officer and as a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet.
With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, Bennett’s background includes workforce development, academic affairs, finance, and operations. He previously served as Dean of Instruction and taught business courses as an adjunct professor. Earlier, he led corrections education and workforce development programs in Oregon.
Dr. Bennett holds a Doctor of Business Administration, with research focused on emotional intelligence and leadership during organizational change.
Community Members and Student Open Forum: Thursday, May 21, 2026; 9:15–10:15 a.m. Coleman Center, room 123, or on Zoom.
Dr. Tonya Wagner
Dr. Tonya Wagner is Vice President of Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Viterbo University. She brings over 15 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, dean, grant leader, and executive administrator.
Dr. Wagner is recognized for building strategic partnerships and advancing educational pathways in technology, business, and healthcare. She has also served on regional nonprofit and healthcare boards.
She holds a doctorate in Career and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Community Members and Student Open Forum: Thursday, May 21, 2026; 10:45–11:45 a.m. Coleman Center, room 123, or on Zoom.
For more information on these candidates and links to the online meetings, please visit https://www.westerntc.edu./college-overview/presidential-search.