Mid-State Technical College has announced Rick Anderson as its new dean of the Adams Campus and School of Public Safety. 

Anderson officially stepped into his new roles in July after providing interim leadership for the Adams Campus since the retirement of Laurie Inda in January 2024, who served as Adams Campus dean for over four years. Anderson’s move to dean of the School of Public Safety followed his service as associate dean from since 2009.

“I’m excited see Rick assume this new role to lead and support our Adams Campus while he deepens his commitment to the School of Public Safety,” said Mid-State Vice President of Academics Chris Severson. “His long-established career has always focused on relationships, and his connections in and around the Adams community will be instrumental to his success.”  

Anderson started working at Mid-State in 2002 as a paramedic instructor, where he helped to guide students through the EMS pathway to attain successful outcomes. In 2009 he transitioned into the role of associate dean of EMS. Over the following years he took on increasing responsibility for additional programs within the entire School of Protective and Human Services. In 2022 he was selected by Mid-State Technical College for its Distinguished Alumni Award.

His industry experience prior to Mid-State spans law enforcement, fire and EMS roles, including police chief, a fire chief and EMS director. His industry experience allows him to understand the dynamics of the programs within the School of Public Safety and gives him the opportunity to continue serving students who are striving to serve their communities in public safety. 

In Adams he will be responsible for providing leadership, direction and support for all campus operations, including serving as the first point of contact for local business and industry in need of college services.  Anderson will provide support and leadership for approximately 150 full and part-time faculty and staff within the School of Public Safety. 

“My most important function as campus dean will be to connect with the Adams County community, including participation in community organizations and supporting community events,” Anderson said.

Mid-State’s Adams location was converted to a full HLC-approved campus in 2019, ensuring students would be able to complete full programs to meet the workforce demands in their community. Changes at that time included increased Dual Credit opportunities for high school students and adding the Nursing Assistant program at the location. The campus also enjoyed a major facelift, including new furniture throughout, state-of-the-art classroom technology and a new health lab.

Today the Adams Campus has grown to serving over 630 students and offers 10 degree programs and six certificates with an emphasis on accounting, business, leadership and human resources.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to expand initiatives and seek innovative ways in which we can further serve this vibrant community,” Anderson said. “Having been raised in and living in a small town as an adult, I am very in tune with the unique challenges that we all face in similarly sized communities. I look forward to engaging with local businesses and organizations to see where we can best help to serve the community.”

Anderson began his technical education after serving in the military, earning his paramedic technical diploma from Mid-State in 2001. He completed his continuing education and EMT training while working in public safety. He graduated from Saint Joseph’s College with a BS in health administration in 2006 and an MS in disaster medicine and management from Philadelphia University in 2008.