IOWA LAKES TRUSTEES LEARN HOW ALGONA CAMPUS SERVES NURSING EDUCATION NEEDS

The Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College learned the value of offering evening and weekend nursing education during their meeting Tuesday afternoon in Algona.

Trudy Kattner, dean of the Algona campus, introduced Tara Rochleau, nursing instructor of Practical Nursing (PN) for the Algona campus.  Rochleau explained that the idea to begin evening and weekend nursing classes five years ago was prompted by an expected nursing shortage.  Many in the class have kept their daytime jobs.  Students who pursue this route, must be dedicated – and motivated, she said.

Rochleau introduced Kelly Rowlet who will finish her Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) course work next month; as well as Garry Kerns, who is just finishing his PN work and will attend the ADN program this fall in Algona.  According to Rochleau, there are very few nursing programs in the nation that offer an evening weekend option.

In addition to the nursing offerings, the Algona campus also features a certificate in Biorenewable Fuels as well as Associate in Arts degrees.  The campus also has a partnership with Briar Cliff University.

Also during the meeting, the Trustees gave approval to develop specifications on two proposed projects.  They include a 5,500 square-foot wrestling facility to be constructed on the east side of the main Estherville campus which would cost an estimated $362,000.  The other proposed project is to construct Phase Three of the Wind Energy building in Estherville which would house a blade repair room and a location to teach gearbox repair at an estimated cost of just over $1 million.

Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management for the college also outlined a series of potential changes in Spencer which, in part, affects Gateway North, the facility which houses the Spencer campus.  The Trustees gave permission for the college to participate in a feasibility study which involves the City of Spencer, the Spencer Area Activity Center, Spencer Public Schools, Clay County and other potential partners.

In other business, progress continues on a 260E project for numerous businesses in northwest Iowa.  The Trustees approved a resolution directing publication of notice on the project.

General reports were given and other regular business was conducted.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees of Iowa Lakes Community College will be held in Spirit Lake (800 21st Street) on Tuesday, May 15.