Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees Meeting Highlights TRIO Program Success and New Faculty Introductions
(Estherville, Iowa) — The Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees convened for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 17, where they received a comprehensive presentation on the impactful TRIO Programs offered at Iowa Lakes.
The TRIO Programs, funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Education, play a crucial role in supporting students across various stages of their educational journey. The presentation highlighted the achievements and goals of the TRIO Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services (SSS) programs.
Autumn Larsen, TRIO Director, shared her enthusiasm for the programs, “Our TRIO programs are dedicated to helping low-income and potential first-generation college students reach their full potential. With a grant award of $404,440, the Talent Search program serves approximately 700 students across 12 school districts, providing vital support through in-school advising, scholarships, and STEM camps, among other services. Our goal is to empower these students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.”
Nicole Smith, Upward Bound Manager, emphasized the program’s commitment to supporting high school students, “The Upward Bound program, with a grant of $309,505, is designed to assist students in reaching their academic and personal goals. We offer advising sessions, financial aid assistance, and a six-week residential summer academy, which includes a big city trip. Our comprehensive services, including tutoring and college application waivers, are aimed at ensuring students are well-prepared for their post-secondary education.”
The TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, which received a grant of $348,489, provides crucial support to Iowa Lakes Community College students, including advising, grant aid, and a range of educational activities. “Our TRIO-SSS program is integral in helping students achieve their academic goals and successfully transfer to four-year institutions,” stated Larsen.
In addition to the TRIO program updates, Kyle Norris, Executive Dean, introduced the new faculty members who have joined Iowa Lakes Community College since last September. The new faculty include:
- Morgan Clabaugh, Welding Instructor, EB
- Dr. Michael Elbert, Criminal Justice Instructor and Coordinator, EV
- Shawn Ellison, Nursing Instructor, EB
- Kevin Pirie, Surgical Technology Instructor and Coordinator, SP
- Ruth Rodie, Nursing Instructor, EB
- Zachary Spinks, Aviation Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, EV
- Morgan Stockdale, Aviation Ground School Instructor, SP
- Anna Veltri, English/Speech Instructor, EB
- Jeffrey Vierkant, Business Instructor, EV
- Shante Whalen, Assistant Professor of Psychology, SP
Dan Lutat, Executive Director of Foundation & Governmental Relations, received approval to accept a generous donation toward a new scholarship endowment fund, further advancing the college’s mission to expand educational opportunities.
The next meeting of the Iowa Lakes Community College Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 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.