PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOLDS ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Estherville, Iowa – The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting Tuesday afternoon at the Administrative Building in Estherville. Under the leadership of Board President Arden Kinnander, the 2024–25 Board concluded its session, followed by the official call to order of the 2025–26 Board by Board Secretary Mischelle Dahna.
During the organizational proceedings, Trustees re-elected Arden Kinnander (District 1) as Board President and Robert Jennings (District 7) as Vice President. Mischelle Dahna was reappointed as Board Secretary, and Jeff Soper assumed the role of Treasurer. Scot Bauermeister will continue as the College’s legal representative.
Following the annual organizational actions, Vice President of Administration Robert Leifeld delivered the Iowa Lakes Report and provided an update on technology services at the College.
In the summer of 2024, Iowa Lakes began working with Solutions Management Group (SMG) to enhance campus-wide technology services. Over the last 18 months, the College has seen significant improvements in asset tracking, classroom management, and Help Desk support. Faculty and staff have expressed appreciation for the increased responsiveness and support—particularly in areas such as troubleshooting software, installing computers and electronic equipment, and setting up technology for special events.
Director of Technology Jeremiah DePyper shared his assessment of the partnership, noting:
“I’m pleased to report that using SMG for our Help Desk has been a success. This decision has delivered measurable improvement in service quality and efficiency. They have helped provide faster support and more technician availability while offering additional services like lifecycle management—at a cost savings to the College. SMG has maintained a high satisfaction rate with our faculty and staff, and the partnership aligns perfectly with our strategic goals at Iowa Lakes.”
Leifeld also introduced Jim Willmore, Customer Support Manager for SMG, who is now based in Estherville.Willmore, a graduate of Emmetsburg High School, continued his education at Waldorf College and the University of Wisconsin–Superior, earning a Master’s degree in Broadcast Management and Video/Audio Production. He spent 31 years in the cable television industry, most recently serving as an Inside Plant Manager overseeing operations in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin before returning to Iowa to join SMG.
“The collaboration with Iowa Lakes has been exceptional. The ticket and call volumes show how actively we’re engaging with faculty and staff, and we’re committed to continuing fast, reliable support for the campus community,” said Willmore.
Dan Lutat, Executive Director of Foundations and Governmental Relations, presented two donations for Board approval. The Board approved a $20,000 scholarship gift from Polaris to support students in the Powersports program. The scholarship encourages student internships and placement with Polaris dealers and reflects the company’s confidence in the program’s strong performance and industry engagement.
The Board also approved a $10,000 scholarship from Avangrid for the Wind Energy & Turbine Technology program. This renewal continues a partnership established in 2017 and supports the development of highly skilled wind energy technicians.
Lutat also reported a donation of a Smart Cut Miter System from Solution Mavericks, LLC, for the Construction Technology program. While this donation did not require Board approval, it will enhance hands-on learning opportunities and reflects ongoing industry recognition of the program’s quality.
The next monthly Board meeting will be on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 4:30 P.M. at the Administration Building, 19 South 7th Street, Estherville, Iowa. The Work Session will begin at 4:00 P.M.