2008 Woodie Awards
Teamwork is the key to success
Since 1985, President Nielsen works to give students the best possible education
Bill Stewart
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Feature
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The gravelly voice, friendly smile and steadfast dedication to Kirkwood are all hallmarks of one man.
Kirkwood Community College President Dr. Norm Nielsen handed his retirement notice to the board of trustees last February. Nielsen will hand over the keys to the president's office to the current Executive Vice President Dr. Mick Starcevich on Jan. 2, 2005.
"The Kirkwood mystique-no one knows what it is but it's a Kirkwood feeling and he (Nielsen) is responsible for it," said newly hired Vice President of Instruction Dr. Mary Lou Lauer.
Nielsen was promoted to president in 1985 by the board of trustees. "They (students) have always been his highest priority, since day one," said Executive Director of Governmental Operations Steve Ovel.
"That is why we (colleges) are here, to give students the best educational experience possible.
Vice President of Administration Lois Nanke said, "It's hard to separate Norm from his job, 95 percent of his life is Kirkwood."
One of Nielsen's greatest accomplishments was forming all of the partnerships with outside companies. Aegon, Tippy Beef Center, Diamond V Mills and Ruffalo Cody have all become Kirkwood partners under Nielsen's tenure. The Tippy Beef Center and Ruffalo Cody both have buildings located on the main campus.
"He is the best I have ever seen at forging relationships," said Lauer.
"Norm will be a hard person to replace," said Ovel. "His legacy is the team that will continue to be here after he leaves."
"I truly believe that we have built one of the greatest community colleges in America and the only way we could have done it is as a team," said Nielsen.
Kirkwood Community College President Dr. Norm Nielsen handed his retirement notice to the board of trustees last February. Nielsen will hand over the keys to the president's office to the current Executive Vice President Dr. Mick Starcevich on Jan. 2, 2005.
"The Kirkwood mystique-no one knows what it is but it's a Kirkwood feeling and he (Nielsen) is responsible for it," said newly hired Vice President of Instruction Dr. Mary Lou Lauer.
Nielsen was promoted to president in 1985 by the board of trustees. "They (students) have always been his highest priority, since day one," said Executive Director of Governmental Operations Steve Ovel.
"That is why we (colleges) are here, to give students the best educational experience possible.
Vice President of Administration Lois Nanke said, "It's hard to separate Norm from his job, 95 percent of his life is Kirkwood."
One of Nielsen's greatest accomplishments was forming all of the partnerships with outside companies. Aegon, Tippy Beef Center, Diamond V Mills and Ruffalo Cody have all become Kirkwood partners under Nielsen's tenure. The Tippy Beef Center and Ruffalo Cody both have buildings located on the main campus.
"He is the best I have ever seen at forging relationships," said Lauer.
"Norm will be a hard person to replace," said Ovel. "His legacy is the team that will continue to be here after he leaves."
"I truly believe that we have built one of the greatest community colleges in America and the only way we could have done it is as a team," said Nielsen.