DMACC presidential search set to launch in summer with preparations underway

Des Moines Area Community College is gearing up for its national presidential search with garnering perspectives on what they want the new college leader to do and believe in.

Search consultant Larry Ebbers provided an update to the community college board of directors Monday on search preparations ahead of its official launch in July. The college hosted separate forums for the campus community and faculty and staff in early May, which Ebbers said were well-attended.

“Lots of enthusiasm, lots of good participation by faculty (and) staff,” Ebbers said. “We got over 100 to participate, so that’s very good.”

Further feedback on what people want to see in their future feedback is being sought through an online survey, found on the presidential search website.

The board is set to receive further updates on the meetings and online survey at its June 16 meeting. According to the online timeline of proceedings, after the July launch of the search, applications for the role will be due Sept. 1.

A three-person screening committee made up of Kirkwood Community College President Kristie Fisher, North Iowa Area Community College President Steve Schulz and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Interim Chancellor Liang Chee Wee will review the applications. A search committee will also be selected in September, and after internal interviews with candidates, they will come to campus for interviews in October.

Rob Denson, DMACC’s current and longest-serving president, announced in January he will retire at the end of the calendar year after more than 20 years with the college and more than 40 years in higher education.

While the official search has yet to be launched, Ebbers said he is already receiving news of interested parties.

“I’ve already received nominations, and I’m also in the process of calling people around the country that I know who might be interested,” Ebbers said.