"I’ve always believed in community colleges,” says Kirkwood Community College President Norm Nielsen (MS ‘69/PhD ‘86). Now serving his 42nd year in Iowa public education, Nielsen started his own educational journey at Webster City Junior College (now Iowa Central Community College), a place he remembers fondly for its quality and accessibility. While Nielsen’s career has brought him many exciting leadership roles—K-12 teacher, high school principal, and district superintendent—he is thrilled to have ended up where he began.

“There are just so many opportunities community colleges can provide,” Nielsen said. “They’re less expensive than private and state colleges, and they can serve a lot of different people in a lot of different ways.” As the largest community college in Iowa, Kirkwood provides over 13,900 students with affordable classes. Through its many locations and ties to local businesses, the college also opens the door to thousands of non-
traditional age students and people seeking workforce training.

The college provides opportunities for the community as well, Nielsen points out. Employing over 700 full-time and 400 part-time employees, Kirkwood has a tremendous impact on the economy, and with its ability to educate citizens for the work force. It also serves as a powerful draw for business. Recently, the college has become involved with Priority One, the job development arm of the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Chambers of Commerce.

Kirkwood Community College continues to be recognized as one of the best community colleges in the nation, says Professor Chet Rzonca, dean of Continuing Education at The University of Iowa. “Dr. Nielsen’s tireless and unselfish efforts serve as an example to all individuals serving in leadership positions.”

University of Iowa President David Skorton agrees. “Norm Nielsen is the quintessential higher education executive,” Skorton said. “He is genuinely passionate about the student experience and about the responsibility of the institution to the larger community it serves.”

Despite its proven worth, however, Kirkwood and community colleges like it are facing serious budget cuts. “We’ve had to hire more part-time faculty, find alternative funding, and do business a little differently,” Nielsen said, explaining that his most important role as a leader in education has become that of advocate. “Working with the legislature has become a major part of my job. We’ve got to get community colleges positioned to be a priority.”

History has proved that Nielsen is up to the task. Since he came to Kirkwood in 1979, enrollment has increased by 9,000. Strained resources or not, the school was selected as the College of the Year by the National Alliance of Businesses for 2001. Meanwhile, the Association of Community College Trustees selected Nielsen as the 2001 President/CEO of the Year out of 1,240 community colleges.

“Dr. Nielsen always has time to be responsive,” President Skorton said, “and he is extremely collaborative and effective.” –by Elyse Fields