Cartney honored, humbled by SD Hall of Fame selection

Mike Cartney’s life has been defined by service.

After graduating from Watertown High School in 1977, the current Lake Area Technical Institute president immediately went in the U.S. Air Force. With more than 30 years in the military, Cartney advanced to the rank of colonel and served in six wars, including Desert Storm, the War on Terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During his military career, Cartney played a key in developing the U.S. Department of Defense’s vision and concepts of how the military will communicate this decade.

After his Air Force service, Cartney embarked on a civilian career in 2007 when he became vice president of Lake Area. Much as he did with his military career, Cartney views his career at the school as one of service.

Asked this week what initially attracted to him to pursue a career at Lake Area, Cartney said, “It was an opportunity to give back to the community and take a position where I really thought I could make a difference.”

It’s safe to say Cartney has done so.

In his tenure as Lake Area president, which he ascended to in 2014 following the retirement of Deb Shephard, Cartney has overseen an institution that has garnered national acclaim, highlighted by a 2015 graduation visit and speech from former President Barack Obama and recognition by the Aspen Institute as the nation’s top community college in 2017.

Story via Watertown Public Opinion