Ref. No. 3302

2010 IACCT Outstanding Faculty, John Schmaltz

John Schmaltz, humanities/social science division chairperson and faculty member at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), received the 2010 Iowa Outstanding Faculty Award from the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT).  Schmaltz was recognized for this award during the 2010 IACCT annual conference held the last week of July in Marshalltown.

“We are honored that IACCT chose John Schmaltz for this well-deserved recognition,” Dr. Deb Derr, NIACC President, said.  “His contributions to the classroom and the board room are exemplary.”

Schmaltz has taught Government, American History and International Relations at NIACC for the past 22 years.  In 2002, by the prompting of his colleagues, Schmaltz was appointed Humanities/Social Science division chairperson.  In addition to his regular class load, Schmaltz has developed and taught several courses for NIACC’s Lifelong Learning Institute and Continuing Education. 

Schmaltz has a history of notable achievements, which include the Outstanding Graduating Senior in History and Political Science from Minot State University, North Dakota   In 1986 he was one of thirty educators selected nationwide by the Robert A. Taft Institute to receive an award for “Excellent Teaching of Government and Politics.”  He also received the NIACC Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005 (based primarily on student evaluations).  As one student noted, “I think it takes a wonderful teacher to change a person from disliking a subject to really enjoying it.  He takes pride in helping his students understand the material and in helping his students succeed.”

An expert on the legislative process, Schmaltz has aided NIACC with interpretation on how various proposed laws and actions will impact not only the community college, but the educational system as a whole.  In his discussions with current, past, and future legislators Schmaltz has used his political insight to continue to lift the community college arena to the forefront of policy discussions. 

Beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year, Schmaltz will embark on a new educational track as a professor emeritus at NIACC.   “This award is as much an honor for NIACC as it is for me,” said Schmaltz, “and this college has been a wonderful institution in which to teach.”
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