Dear Editor,
After decades (actually 36 years) our community college president, Doug Darling, is doing the unthinkable: trading meetings and emails for hunting and fishing!
As he prepares for this new adventure, I find it fitting to pause and reflect on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind — not just within the college’s walls but throughout the entire community.
Doug often appears understated and low key, but he quietly works hard and just “gets it done!” I remember when he was interviewing for a position as a marketing teacher, I asked him if he thought he was up for the job. With a twinkle in his eye, he listed his achievements and confidently assured me he was. As we worked together over the years, he more than delivered on his promise!
For the past 13 years our president has been the guiding force behind the institution, steering it toward excellence with both wisdom and heart. Under his leadership, the college stabilized enrollment, even through Covid and started new programs. He spearheaded the installation of a wind turbine that supports energy at the college and with it, the wind turbine program. With the support and assistance from legislators and community members, President Darling brought the first capital project in 35 years to Lake Region State College: The Bergstrom Building, giving updates to other career and tech programs on college campus. His efforts also led to the introduction of a precision ag program and its success led to more growth on campus: the addition of the Hofstad Precision Ag Building.
Doug has always supported initiatives that make education more accessible for everyone, including scholarships and outreach programs that welcomed students who might have otherwise never considered higher education. Additionally, he championed an extensive apprenticeship program in which students get work experience throughout the state. the program started with a whopping $485,000 grant to kick it off.
During Doug’s tenure, the college hired a skilled grant writer and secured several million in grants. With the support of the college staff, the community, and state matching grants the college foundation assets grew from $4,535,862 to $16,250,000. Great job everyone!
Doug could often be found cheering at local sports events especially in the hockey arena supporting the hockey program he initiated at the college. He understood that a thriving college is intertwined with a thriving community, and he worked hard to foster that connection. Those additional activities not only increased student numbers, but also the numbers of community members attending events at the college. He leaves having started one more dream: an activity center LRSC can call its own, complete with its own colors and logos.
Of course, no tribute would be complete without acknowledging his quiet humor and his love for the outdoors. To those who know him, it is no surprise that he started the first Collegiate Shooting Program in the state, which rapidly grew to the other campuses. He also coaches the high school Firebirds team and the 4-H teams, both which serve as great feeder programs for the college team — and one more avenue for student success.
As he steps into retirement, I imagine his calendar filling up with fishing and hunting trips, and perhaps an attempt at perfecting a new recipe. He and Teresa excel at organizing events, whether it’s a book club party or a President’s dinner to raise funds for the College foundation.
We will miss his steady hand at the helm, but we know that his legacy is firmly anchored in the achievements and progress he inspired with the support of a strong and vibrant community, a remarkable wife, Teresa, and extrememly capable faculty and staff, and a tremendous student body! I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our retiring president. May his next chapter be filled with as much joy, laughter, and accomplishment as the years he gave to us.
Warm regards,
Sharon Etemad, Ed D, former Lake Region State College President.
Verified by phone, May 15, 2025 — LAO
