Iowa Lakes to receive Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning and Telemedicine (RUS-DLT) Grant

(Estherville, Iowa) The Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College met at the Administrative Offices in Estherville late Tuesday afternoon for their monthly board meeting. Tuesday’s meeting began with Board President, Janice K. Lund, appointing fellow Trustees to serve on board committees.

After the completion of the organizational business, the Trustees heard from Jeff Soper, Chief Financial Officer, regarding the Finance Department at Iowa Lakes Community College. Soper introduced Heidi Skattebo, Peggy Wilson and Tammy Anderson to the board. Skattebo, Wilson, and Anderson are all employees of the Finance Department at Iowa Lakes Community College. Following the introduction of his staff, Soper presented to the board on how purchases are made at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management, then reported that the Chava turbine is working correctly and is currently in motion. Windtest has sent an acoustic measurement specialist from Germany to complete necessary measurement testing on the turbine. Windtest expects all physical certification testing to be done by the end of next month.

Hiney also reported that the Department of Education Equity ADA Facility walk-through audit was completed on September 7 on the Estherville Campus, on November 7 on the Spencer Campus and on November 8 on the Emmetsburg Campus.

Hiney commented, “The auditor was very impressed with the cleanliness of our facilities and commented that the facilities are aesthetically pleasing with great branding throughout all locations.”

Robert Leifeld, Vice President of Administration, then introduced Mary Faber, Director of the Spencer and Spirit Lake campuses, who reported to the board that Iowa Lakes Community College was selected as the Business of the Year by the Spencer Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s very humbling to be recognized by the business community. We value these partnerships that allow us to provide many services to our students and community,” said Faber.

Leifeld then reported to the Board that Iowa Lakes Community College was the recipient of the Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning and Telemedicine (RUS-DLT) grant. This grant was for $499,975 and will be used to update the Television Classroom network. Iowa Lakes Community College will need to match the grant with a $75,777 contribution, making the total project cost of $574,975.

Updates to the Television Classrooms will enhance the learning opportunities for students attending Iowa Lakes Community College, especially our advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Courses. Our Television Classrooms allow students from other campuses the opportunity to participate in courses that are held on one of our other campuses.

The board approved the acceptance of the Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning and Telemedicine (RUS-DLT) grant and the grant funding match of $75,777 by Iowa Lakes Community College.

Thomas Brotherton, Executive Dean of the Emmetsburg Campus, presented a proposal to the board for a new Cosmetology program on the Emmetsburg Campus, slated to begin in the fall of 2019. The board motioned to approve moving forward with the Cosmetology program.

Brotherton also shared that the Veterinary Technician program, located on the Emmetsburg Campus, received full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Following Brotherton’s presentation, Jolene Rogers, Executive Director of Community and Business Relations, addressed the Trustees about donor contributions and job training opportunities. The Trustees accepted a donation by past College President, Jim Billings, for the sponsorship of 20 Chairs, with his $10,000 contribution to the Performing Arts Center. This contribution was on behalf of Jim Billings and his late wife, Kay. Additionally, the Trustees accepted a donation from Jason White, owner of Anytime Fitness in Spencer. White donated gym equipment including elliptical, cycling and exercise bikes to the Spencer Campus. This donation was valued at $10,000.

Rogers also received approval to move forward on a preliminary job training agreement for a company in Emmet County.

In other business, the Trustees received a Treasurers Report and a listing of monthly bills from the Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Soper.

The next meeting of the Trustees will be on Tuesday, December 18, in Estherville.

For More Information:

Iowa Lakes Marketing office at 712-362-7947