Three new members join NICC Board of Trustees
Thursday, November 18, 2021
The nine members of the Board of Trustees are voluntarily elected by the public. The Board of Trustees sets policy for the College, hires and evaluates the president, and ensures that NICC serves the needs of its communities.
NORTHEAST IOWA—Two new Northeast Iowa Community College Trustees were elected by voters this month, Kent Nelson of District 4 and Gary McAndrew of District 6. The Board appointed John Finley to fill the District 5 vacancy at its Nov. 15 meeting.
Nelson replaces former Trustee Gene Fuelling who decided not to seek another term after 12 years of service. Nelson, of Oelwein, is Fidelity Bank & Trust market president for the Oelwein location. He will represent the Oelwein, Starmont and West Delaware school districts.
“I have been involved with the Oelwein Economic Development effort over the course of the last 15 years to attract and retain businesses who are constantly looking for well-educated and trained employees. The College has been a very important partner and resource for these businesses and northeast Iowa communities. Personally, I am a product of the community college environment and had a wonderful experience. All three of my daughters were able to earn college credits while still in high school through NICC,” Nelson said.
McAndrew replaces former Trustee Dave Schueller who also decided not to seek another term after 12 years of service. McAndrew, of Peosta, is owner/president of McAndrew Search Group. He will represent the Western Dubuque and Centralia Center school districts.
“I am looking forward to joining the NICC Board of Trustees. I have previously served on the NICC Foundation Board and have always thought highly of what the College does for students. I have lived in Peosta most of my life and witnessed all the great things that NICC has done for our community and region,” McAndrew said.
McAndrew and Nelson will serve four-year terms on the NICC Board of Trustees.
New member fills District 5 vacancy
The Board of Trustees appointed John Finley, of Elkader, to fill the District 5 seat vacated by former board chair Ken Reimer’s retirement. Finley served as the northeast Iowa manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association until his retirement in October. He worked closely with agriculture businesses and farmers in the role. He is a member and president of Clayton County Development Group.
“I am honored to fill the Northeast Iowa Community College Board of Trustees District 5 vacancy. Community colleges in Iowa have an important job of providing a good, solid and affordable education, whether as an acknowledgment of current skills, an education in the trades or as a starting point to a four-year degree,” Finley said.
As an appointee Finley will serve District 5 until the next election in 2023.
The nine members of the Board of Trustees are voluntarily elected by the public. The Board of Trustees sets policy for the College, hires and evaluates the president, and ensures that NICC serves the needs of its communities.