BEMIDJI — The president and the president-elect of BSU and Northwest Technical College met with audiences at both campuses Monday to publicly begin the handoff of the schools’ highest office.

Faith Hensrud said she started talking with Richard Hanson last week about the job’s finer points and how she plans to oversee what Hanson called “a unique situation in higher education.” Hensrud still has two months as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, but said she’ll visit the campuses a few more times before she takes over July 1.

“One of my early tasks is to get to know you much better,” Hensrud told a small crowd gathered inside an NTC classroom — people from the campus and the community, and her husband, Neil.

“We’re both very pleased to be part of the Bemidji community,” she said. “We’re in the midst of a transition that’s really good.”

Hensrud has been an administrator at a university and an instructor at a technical college — experience that MnSCU officials say helped her get this job, which is really two jobs.

“Throughout the process, (she was) the candidate who consistently emerged,” said Steven Rosenstone, MnSCU chancellor. “It’s hard to find someone who meets the needs of the college, and the needs of the university. We really hit the jackpot here.”

Hensrud talked about the need for BSU and NTC to share more academic programs, the need for stronger relationships with area tribes, and the need for the schools to make their students feel welcome.

She spoke at the podium for a few minutes before going to mingle.

“It’s clear she has the support of students, faculty and staff at the college and university,” said Elise Bourdeau, a member of the MnSCU Board of Trustees.

Shortly after announcing his retirement last summer, Hanson said he would help his replacement as much or as little as he or she wanted. Hensrud said she met with Hanson for the first time last Wednesday, the day she got the job.

“President Hanson has provided excellent leadership for NTC and BSU over the past several years,” she said. “We’ve started a transition that will ensure a smooth handoff. I want to hit the ground running in July.”