From Whaler to Pirate; Michels braves the open sea of academia

Kraig Michels

By Michelle Urquia

Kraig Michels
Kraig Michels

Kraig Michels has become the new director of human resources at Peninsula College. He replaces Bonnie Cauffman who retired Jan. 7, after 37 years at Peninsula College.

Michels is well prepared for becoming the new human resources director. He was “previously employed as the coordinator of Human Resources and Benefits for the North Slope Borough School District in Barrow, AK.,” Communication Coordinator Kari Desser said.

Michels has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration Accounting and Human Resources from the University of Montana.

Michels mentioned his goals, obstacles and how he plans to achieve them. “My first goal is to learn the processes and procedures. Then I want to strive to continue to cultivate the positive feel on campus by employees and students. Probably the most important part of my job will be assessing each person’s strengths and weaknesses. So time to accomplish this will be one of my biggest obstacles.”

Michels enjoys working with people and developing their talents so that they can succeed.

He is excited to bring his family to Washington and most importantly Peninsula College. He said,” Washington is an amazing state. It has everything from the Ocean to the dry desert. Skiing, big cities, and you can hike everywhere. And it has very friendly people. Peninsula College has a great reputation. I also experienced an amazing group of people throughout the interview process that I could tell loved their jobs.  And the location is perfect for so many things that my family and I like to do.”

Kraig Michels is passionate about the job and is ready to face obstacles and overcome them. He will be arriving on Jan. 26, 2016 to official become Peninsula Colleges new director of human resources.