After a long and intense search, Gateway Technical College Board of Trustees members have selected Veronique Vien Tran as the college’s next president and CEO.

Tran will begin her official duties July 1. She currently serves as the founding vice provost of the School of Manufacturing & Industrial Technology at Dallas College.

“Dr. Tran brings an exceptional record of leadership in workforce education, industry partnership development and student success,” said Gateway Technical College Board Chairperson Jason Tadlock. “Her vision aligns strongly with Gateway’s mission to transform lives and strengthen our communities through innovative, high-quality technical education. We look forward to her leading us forward in the coming years.”

Tadlock said Tran distinguished herself throughout the selection process as a “collaborative leader with a deep understanding of the evolving workforce landscape.”

“Her experience building strong partnerships with employers, expanding access to career pathways and leading within a large, complex college system positions her well to guide Gateway into its next chapter,” said Tadlock. “We are confident she will be a powerful advocate for our students, our employees and the communities we serve.”

Tran’s leadership roles span private industry as well as higher education. She served as a facilities engineer in production operations for Shell Western Exploration and Production for many years – including work in Michigan – before shifting her career to higher education. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University and served in leadership roles at four-year universities as well as community colleges. Tran, a community college graduate herself, brings an innovative spirit and perspective to her role at Gateway.

“Gateway Technical College’s strength is its people and its industry partnerships, working together to provide high-quality technical education,” said Tran.

“I am honored to serve as president and excited to build on that foundation, as Gateway continues to be a vital economic engine for the tri-county Southeastern Wisconsin region – supporting students and the technical workforce as they navigate and advance in their careers.”

Preston Gardner, Gateway Board of Trustees member and chairperson of the Ad Hoc Presidential Search committee, said the voices of students, faculty, staff, business partners and the community helped shape the committee’s decisions to select the four presidential finalists.

“That listening, combined with a rigorous evaluation, kept the committee focused on identifying a leader aligned with Gateway’s future direction and the board’s priorities,” said Gardner. “We are confident the selection of Dr. Tran positions Gateway Technical College for continued strength and forward momentum.”

Morgan Phillips will continue serving as the college’s interim president and CEO for the remainder of his contract, which ends June 30. He began his tenure in July 2025 as the college’s interim president.

“As we look ahead, we also extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Morgan Phillips for his great leadership and service to Gateway Technical College,” said Tadlock. “Under his guidance, the college has continued to advance its mission and serve students with excellence. We are greatly appreciative of the year of his life that he gave to our community and us.”

At Dallas College, Tran leads large-scale, workforce-aligned programs that expand access to high-demand careers and drive regional economic mobility across advanced manufacturing and other applied workforce sectors critical to regional growth. Her senior leadership roles in community colleges and universities also include Lee College, Lone Star College, Rice University and the University of Houston. Tran is an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow through the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program, recognizing leaders committed to advancing student success and institutional excellence.

As a first-generation college student, Tran completed her general education coursework at Lone Star College in Houston, her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center & University of Texas at Arlington.

To read more: Dr. Veronique V. Tran Biography