Dr. Jim A. Luoma
The Luoma Leadership Academy was named in honor of Trustee Emeritus Jim Luoma. A proponent of “growing our own” talent and expertise, Dr. Luoma supported professional and educational opportunities for staff throughout the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Jim A. Luoma spent his entire professional life in education. First as a teacher for the South Washington County School District, then as a principal in that district, and finally as superintendent of schools for Grand Rapids public schools.
After retiring as superintendent, Dr. Luoma was appointed to the Board effective June 1, 1999 through June 30, 2004. During his tenure on the Board, he served as chair and vice chair, as well as the Educational Policy (chair for two years), Finance/Facilities Policy and Technology Committees and several ad hoc committees. He championed academics over finances and felt that tuition rates should be a decision made by the Educational Policy Committee, not Finance. One of his goals was to "more fully integrate the system," and he advocated for one academic calendar.
Dr. Luoma earned his doctorate from the University of St. Thomas, a master of science degree from Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
