Long-time Provost at the Boone campus of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Tom Lee, retired at the end of June, and an announcement was made on Tuesday that he will be replaced by Dr. Drew Nelson, a Texas college administrator. Nelson, who is originally from Minnesota, has served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Alvin Community College in Houston since 2007. Dr. Kim Linduska, Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, says they believe Dr. Nelson will be a great fit for the Boone campus and the college. Nelson says he believes the best experiences he can import with him into his new position are the ones he has had working with populations who most need the education, such as older students, those from historically under-served populations, veterans and aged-out foster children. Nelson is eager to get back to the Midwest with his wife of 21 years and their two sons, Will 19 and John 18—who will join the family after graduation next spring. He is an avid fisherman and an active member of many community organizations and service agencies, including the Rotarians, and he has coached young adults in Special Olympics basketball. Nelson will begin his duties as Provost on Wednesday, Aug. 17. A reception to welcome Dr. Nelson will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24 in the L.W. Courter Center on the Boone campus.
