Center Director David MacKenzie. Photo courtesy of Job Corps staff.
Center Director Dave MacKenzie
Dave MacKenzie brings a wide variety of experience to his job as the Center Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center. He has been an educator for over 25 years: 8 years at the University of Minnesota and over 17 years with Job Corps. He has also been a farmer, soldier, and owned a construction company for 10 years.
After graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, MacKenzie served in the U.S. Army. He earned his Master's degree at the University of Minnesota, where he taught expository writing in the Cross Disciplinary Studies program. At Job Corps, he has served as Vocational Skills Training Coordinator, Center Standards Officer, Education Manager, and Director of Administrative Services before being named as Center Director in 1997.
MacKenzie believes that Job Corps, with its comprehensive services, residential component, and low staff-student ratio (roughly 3:1), is the best option available for the population it serves. "Job Corps is like family," he says. "We provide the structure, the discipline, and the nurturing environment that many at-risk young adults need to be successful."
MacKenzie and his wife Cathy, have a daughter and son and live on a farm in the St. Croix River Valley.
