One Alumnus Joins the Luther College Board of Regents, Two Others Contribute Expertise

DECORAH — Luther College President Jenifer K. Ward announced that Michael "Mike" Anderson, a Luther College 1999 alumnus with a distinguished nursing career, will join the college's Board of Regents this month. In addition, alumni Brian Johnson and Michelle Klisanich are joining the Board of Regents investment committee to provide their specialized expertise in business and financial planning. "We are proud of the knowledge, counsel and commitment that these Luther alumni will share with their alma mater," said President Ward. "Luther College is proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their willingness to offer their leadership to the Board of Regents." Mike Anderson Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA, Luther College class of 1999, is the chief operating officer for Heartland Anesthesia and Consulting. Before this role, he was a clinical nurse anesthetist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he also served as a clinical associate professor and the clinical coordinator of the Anesthesia Nursing Program. He continues to serve as an adjunct associate professor for the University of Iowa's College of Nursing. Anderson earned his Bachelor of Arts in nursing from Luther in 1999, followed by a master's in nurse anesthesia from Cleveland Clinic/Case Western Reserve University in 2009. He completed his Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of Iowa in 2014, focusing on infection control in the operating room. Mike and his wife, Carryn (Ensrude) Anderson '99, live in North Liberty, Iowa, with their two sons, Austin and Braden. They are actively involved in their community and remain dedicated to supporting Luther College through endowments for nursing simulation and musical touring. Mike received the Luther College Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2019. In 2024, they established the Anderson Endowment for musical touring after a transformative experience on the Nordic Choir companion tour to Norway. He has also served on the Alumni Council and is a member of the Heritage Club. Brian Johnson Brian Johnson, Luther College class of 1998, has over 20 years of experience at Casey's General Stores Inc., where he currently serves as senior vice president of investor relations and business development. Before that, he was director of finance and accounting manager. Brian started his career with KPMG. With an accounting degree from Luther and an MBA from Drake University, Johnson combines strategic thinking with deep financial expertise. A former Luther swimmer, he remains a dedicated supporter of Luther College. Johnson lives in Johnston, Iowa, with his wife, Patricia, and their children, Joseph, Abigail and Jacob. Michelle Klisanich Michelle (Monson) Klisanich, Luther College class of 2006, is a wealth advisor and certified financial planner professional at Navista Wealth Management (previously called Birch Cove Group) in Minneapolis, Minn. Her areas of expertise include retirement strategies, tax-efficient saving and investing, college savings and insurance planning. Michelle previously worked as a wealth advisor at Thrivent Financial. She earned her CFP certification from the American College of Financial Services. Klisanich was honored as one of the "Twin Cities Finest" for not only excelling in her profession but also giving back to the community. A Spanish major at Luther, she is a former member of the Luther College Alumni Council and a member of the Heritage Club. Klisanich and her husband, Michael, live in Minnetonka, Minn., with their daughters, Anja and Mari. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.