Letter to the Editor: Enthusiastic support for Jim Anderson for NICC Board of Trustees

To the Editor: I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Jim Anderson of Decorah in the November 7, 2023, city/school board/community college trustee election. Jim has served Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) with distinction as the representative of District 3 on the NICC Board of Trustees since 1999. During his tenure, Jim served as vice president of the Board and, in 2022, he was elected by the other eight trustees as Board President. As an attorney who retired from the Luther College Advancement department, Jim is well-versed in the challenges facing higher education including funding, regulatory, and accreditation issues. He has provided leadership with distinction through two successful bond referendums which resulted in infrastructure and technology improvements that provide NICC students with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Jim has the personal qualities necessary to be an effective member of the Board of Trustees including integrity, excellent communication skills, a willingness to listen, and compassion for the challenges faced by community colleges today. He invests the time and energy necessary to stay informed in local, state, and national issues by attending professional development events. He has also served on NICC's Labor/Management team working with members of the NICC support staff to improve working relationships across the College. Above all, Jim is student-focused and committed to student success. When you vote on November 7, you will have a choice between two individuals who wish to serve on the Board of Trustees of Northeast Iowa Community College. However, only one candidate has almost 25 years of dedicated service to the NICC Board. Jim's experience, legal expertise, stellar personal qualities, and a desire to serve combine to make him the best candidate for this position. I encourage you to join me in voting for Jim Anderson. Sincerely, Julie G. Huiskamp, Ph.D, Cresco, Iowa President NICC Foundation Board