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David Steffens, Jr., NIACC Board of Trustees president, will announce the College’s top candidate for assuming the presidency Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the Activity Center on the NIACC campus.

“I am pleased to share that after successful preliminary contract negotiations Dr. Debra Derr is our top candidate for the presidency.  I think we have a great fit with NIACC.  Pending final approval of the Board of Trustees at the regular May 15 meeting, I feel we will have our new president,” Steffens, Jr., NIACC Board President, said.

Derr is also excited about her anticipated new role at the College. "I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to join NIACC.  Every person I have talked with and every piece of information I have read tells me this college is the jewel of North Iowa.  I am excited by the possibilities for the community and our students, and will continue the important work of Dr. Mike Morrison and the NIACC Board in moving our region forward,” Derr said.

Derr currently serves as vice president for learner success at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wisconsin.  In that position, she strategically leads college academic, student development and workforce development areas serving as chief academic and student affairs officer; supports the college president and board of trustees with information pertaining to long-term planning, goals and activities related to college strategic goals; leads  Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) efforts supporting continuous improvement in academic and student affairs; and leads continuing development, implementation and refinement of district enrollment management plans related to academic and student affairs.

In addition to her post-secondary administrative experience, Derr also has post-secondary teaching and counseling experience.  She has her Doctorate of Education from Oregon State University, a Master of Science degree from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Linfield College.  Prior to her work at Madison Area Technical College, Derr served as vice president for student development and services at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.

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