Trustees name Newhouse new college president

As expected, Val Newhouse was appointed President immediately and will serve through June 30, 2010, at a base rate (starting July 1) of $140,000. Board President Jack Tatman of Spirit Lake had indicated in the moments following the board's acceptance of Prior's resignation that Newhouse would likely be his replacement.

"We are going to appoint an interim president and I am reasonably sure that it will be Val Newhouse," Tatman told the Daily Reporter last Friday.

This appointment of Newhouse came after the trustees came out of a closed session.

In other business, the trustees heard a report on the annual audit for the 2007-2008 college year at the meeting. The audit, completed by Williams and Company received an 'unqualified opinion' which means the college financial operations were compliant. The audit was then accepted by the board.

In other 'financial' news at the meeting, the trustees conducted a public hearing for the college's published budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The trustees approved the published budget which shows expenditures estimated at $38.5 million. Under this budget, the levy for taxpayers will go down by nearly a penny per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

The Iowa Lakes Report featured the Success Centers at the college.

Colleen Peltz and Lynn Dodge spoke to the board about the variety of services available at the Success Center, national certification and - most importantly - student success. Students Lisa Rider, Calvin Tuttle, and Justin Rush shared their success stories with the board. Each received a GED, entered college, and found a comfort level and academic success at Iowa Lakes.

With the downturn in the economy, the number of new persons coming to each of the five Success Centers has increased. Some are seeking their GED to maintain their jobs or get a job. While others are looking to refresh their skills, enter college, or update their resume. The Success Center services include developmental and high school diploma courses, GED, peer tutoring, student accommodations and independent study college level courses.

Peltz and Dodge told those in attendance that the Iowa Lakes Success Center is looking to become the first college in the state of Iowa to attain national certification.

An update was given on a proposed building project at the Emmetsburg campus by Executive Director of Facilities Management, Delaine Hiney. The main source of funding is proposed to come from ACE infrastructure money which may become a casualty of state budget reductions. Updates are expected in the near future.

Also during the meeting, the trustees approved a job training agreement; agreed to limited serving of beer and alcohol at the Estherville campus for a special gathering; and heard updates from trustees on various committees.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, in Estherville.

Val Newhouse, ILCC President

Newhouse has long history with ILCC

Val Newhouse has worked at Iowa Lakes for 17 years -- the last seven as the Executive Vice President.

She received her bachelor's degree in education from Buena Vista University and her master's degree in higher education and continuing education from the University of Iowa. She has also completed course work for a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership and is working on her dissertation from Colorado State University.

Newhouse has held positions in continuing education at Iowa Lakes as well as Associate Dean in Emmetsburg and a secondary programs supervisor.

Before coming to Iowa Lakes, Newhouse worked at Upper Des Moines Opportunity in the capacity of Director of Child Care Services.

Newhouse has strong roots in the five-county Iowa Lakes area. She is a native of West Bend and lived in Estherville for 22 years where all three of her children graduated from Estherville Lincoln Central. Newhouse currently lives in Emmetsburg.

She becomes the seventh President of Iowa Lakes Community College.