By Angelo Gentile, August 9, 2026

Business North

Jessalyn Sabin, who started July 1 as the new president of Minnesota North College on the Iron Range, brings a millennial’s view to the job along with a local’s knowledge of the area.

Sabin is 37. That’s young, considering the average age of college and university presidents these days is 60.

She grew up on Side Lake and graduated from Chisholm High School, an iron miner’s daughter. In a region that sees most of its young people move away for college or jobs, Sabin is notable given that she chose to return to the area after college, working in various faculty and administrative positions for the past 13 years for Minnesota North.

“My father worked at MinnTac throughout his career, so I grew up in a trades household, and I value and appreciate that we provide training for these fields” at Minnesota North, Sabin said in a recent interview with BusinessNorth. “I came back to the Iron Range when a biology faculty position became available at the Hibbing campus, and I did not anticipate remaining up north. However, I quickly became involved at the college and with the Range community … Minnesota North College plays a huge role in contributing to the region’s vitality, as we are a springboard for students entering new careers and life journeys.”

Sabin actually becomes the third homegrown Ranger to lead the school, following Michael Raich, a native of Pengilly, who recently retired, and Bill Maki, from Ely, who Raich replaced.

Minnesota North encompasses six campuses. For decades, those campuses were part of five separate, accredited community and technical colleges, merging into a single institution in 2022. The campuses include: Hibbing, Itasca (Grand Rapids), Mesabi Range-Eveleth, Mesabi Range-Virginia, Rainy River (International Falls) and Vermilion (Ely).

With more than 100 programs, Minnesota North serves the region as a comprehensive community and technical college with a current enrollment of more than 3,400 students. It is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.

“Dr. Sabin is a proven leader in higher education,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State, in a press release announcing her appointment in March. “As a member of Minnesota North’s leadership team, she has built strong, supportive connections with the campuses of Minnesota North, as well as with employers and the communities of the Iron Range.”

Sabin most recently served Minnesota North as academic dean for career and technical education and campus director at the Eveleth campus. Previously, she served as the interim dean of academics at Hibbing Community College and at Rainy River Community College. Prior appointments included serving as a biology instructor at Hibbing Community College, and as a graduate teaching assistant and researcher at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Sabin holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a doctorate from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Sabin said she’s looking forward to serving the area she knows well. 

“It is a community that cares deeply about its residents and the region, and I wanted to take part in ensuring that Northeastern Minnesota is a place where people can live good lives. This region is worthy of investment and – in my opinion – is up-and-coming for those who desire to craft their own businesses, lifestyles and communities. We have a lot of grit and creativity up north, and it is good to be surrounded by that spirit. Our graduates are the next generation of leaders in our region and state. It is a privilege to serve them in their career evolution.”