Tigers Roar into NAIA - PG. 36 President Christine Plunkett - Iowa Wesleyan ...
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IW TACKLES
THE CHALLENGES OF
COVID-19
PG. 18
Tigers Roar
into NAIA
PG. 36
IW & SCC
ALLIANCE
PG. 4
AN INTERVIEW WITH
President
Christine
Plunkett
PG. 12
VOL NUM WINTER
61 02 21
MISSION
FEATURE
Strengthening International Bonds 4 SCC Partnership
Forging Meaning ful Partnerships 6 Growing Forward
Learning & Community 12 Christine Plunkett: An Introduction
Faith & Service SPECIALS
Discovery & Action 18 Learning in the midst of COVID-19
Courage & Passion 22 “Our Front Porch” Campaign
Athletics / Hall of Fame 23 Susan Mosely Grandison Fund
Class Notes 24 Agribusiness & Philanthropy: A
Family Affair at Iowa Wesleyan
48 Valerie Unkrich Retires
Iowa Wesleyan
University is a
transformational
learning community
whose passion is to
educate, empower
and inspire students
to lead meaningful
lives and careers.
VOL NUM WINTER
61 02 21
ON THE COVER: Eric Bonds, Jr '24. IN THIS SPREAD (left to right): Ryan Hutchison '21, George Chapple '21, Kara Krieger '24, Trinity Nolan '23, Gwyneth Williams '23
2 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021
President
IN EVERY ISSUE Christine Plunkett
chris.plunkett@iw.edu
27 Graduate & Professional Studies
University Provost
28 Student Success Dr. DeWayne Frazier
dewayne.frazier@iw.edu
32 Academic Innovations Vice President for
Enrollment, Marketing, and
34 Alumni in Action Communications
Meg Richtman
36 Athletics meg.richtman@iw.edu
Vice President for Student
49 Class Notes Development and Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Rebecca Beckner
rebecca.beckner@iw.edu
EVENTS Vice President for
Advancement and Athletics
26 2021 Homecoming Derek Zander
derek.zander@iw.edu
Director of Marketing and
Communications
Amanda Rundquist
amanda.rundquist@iw.edu
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Courtney Carl
Kendra Hefner
Jen Koch
Meg Richtman
Delaney Van Ness
Anna Villareal
EDITOR
Meg Richtman
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Jen Koch
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amy Becker
Courtney Carl
Kendra Hefner
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Story ideas? Comments?
Questions? Corrections?
We want to hear from you!
E-mail marketing@iw.edu
IW.EDU 3
SCC PARTNERSHIP
Soar & Roar
Iowa Wesleyan University announces alliance
with Southeastern Community College
After two years of presidents, boards of
seeking a partnership, trustees, and accreditations.
Iowa Wesleyan University SIHEA will exist as
is proud to announce a separate non-profit
a collaboration with organization, with SCC
Southeastern Community and IW as its founding
College (SCC) with the members. The organization
formation of the Southeast will oversee a board of
Iowa Higher Education six directors, including
Alliance (SIHEA). The both presidents and two
announcement, made additional representatives of
in a joint press release each institution.
on January 12, 2021, Carefully delineated
was received with great academic pathways will
excitement by students, allow students who begin
staff, and faculty at both their collegiate careers at
institutions and signs of SCC to transfer seamlessly
support were given from the to IW to complete
From Left to Right: SCC mascot "Champ" the Blackhawk; Dr. Michael Ash, SCC President;
regional community and state Chris Plunkett, IW President; and IW mascot "Wesley" the Tiger. bachelor’s and master’s
legislators. degrees in their chosen
SIHEA is among the first The shape of higher education in fields of study. IW and SCC will grant
partnerships between a public and a years to come is increasingly uncertain, transfer scholarships that allow students
private institution in the State of Iowa. and the national pandemic magnifies to complete a four-year degree within
Unlike existing partnerships that focus that uncertainty. In the face of these the same system at an affordable price.
primarily on academic advantages, challenges, all institutions must adapt. “We’re missing some good students who
SIHEA offers a creative and innovative This alliance brings two institutions choose not to go to college,” stated Dr.
approach to strengthening the region’s together to create a strong educational Michal Ash, SCC President. “We want
economy and providing more options system that will serve a wider region.” to help make college more affordable
for students. SIHEA plans to invite The mission of SIHEA is to increase and help students better understand
other educational institutions, regional educational opportunities through the academic and career paths that are
businesses, and community organizations academic pathways, collaborate with available to them.” This partnership
to become involved, enabling the alliance employers to enhance the regional allows students to earn their bachelor’s
to contribute to economic growth within workforce, and support local business degree from a private institution at a
Southeast Iowa. “For Iowa Wesleyan, development. Although this partnership competitive rate with state colleges while
this is really about serving the region,” will provide the opportunity for remaining close to home.
stated Chris Plunkett, Iowa Wesleyan shared faculty and staff positions, joint The alliance hopes to break down
President. “This is an example of how marketing campaigns, and collaborative barriers that students face in reaching
communities in rural regions of the state and federal grants, each institution their educational goals. “Our partnership
country can be strengthened through will continue to operate independently. research showed that thirty percent of
innovative educational partnerships. IW and SCC will maintain their existing students who enter SCC intend to
4 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021
SCC PARTNERSHIP
“As a
graduate of
both Southeastern
“We will work diligently to identify the Community College and
barriers students face and guide them to the Iowa Wesleyan University,
pathways that allow them to reach their goal I was pleased to hear the recent announcement
of obtaining a four-year degree.” of a new joint partnership between the two – the
President Chris Plunkett, Iowa Wesleyan University
Southeast Iowa Higher Education Alliance.
pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree; however, only
half of those students achieve that goal,” Plunkett said. By creating seamless degree pathways between
“We will work diligently to identify the barriers students SCC and IW, this public-private partnership in
face and guide them to the pathways that allow them to
reach their goal of obtaining a four-year degree.” higher education will offer students affordable
The partnership will provide IW and SCC students educational opportunities for continuing
with the opportunity to enroll in elective courses at either
of the two institutions. Beyond academic programming, education beyond an associate’s degree.
plans are underway to share a Student Activities
Coordinator, focusing on cross-campus exchanges in
intramural athletics, social activities, and the arts.
While I always had a desire to earn my bachelor’s
Both institutions anticipate increased enrollment degree, there was an unintended gap between my
through this partnership. IW will continue to serve
students seeking a traditional four-year liberal arts graduation from SCC and IW. Many students,
experience, supplemented by an increased number myself included, enroll at a community college
of SCC transfer students. SCC anticipates that the
affordability and expanded academic opportunity will with the goal of transferring to a four-year
attract new students who may not have otherwise
university, but investigating various transfer
considered a bachelor’s degree. Working with student
success advocates, students can select a four-year program pathways and selecting courses to maximize
that will qualify them for a rewarding career in the
regional workforce or beyond. transferable credits can be daunting. The increased
President Plunkett praised the Board of Trustees professional resources offered through the
for its support during the complex partnership process.
“Board Chair Annette Scisezinski has always held high SIHEA system will prepare students to achieve
aspirations for the University,” stated Plunkett. “As we their educational goals quickly, seamlessly, and
move forward with this exciting alliance, we are grateful
for her exemplary and collaborative leadership as she affordably.”
guided the University towards this innovative future.”
Amy Hill ’18
IW.EDU 5
FEATURE
In recent years, higher education
institutions have experienced a dramatic
shift. Enrollment and retention for
universities have experienced major
downfalls. In order to be sustainable,
universities must invest in institutional
and regional strengths.
Iowa Wesleyan University has been
proactive in approaching these issues
and has identified key opportunities
that will help the University to grow
forward. The opportunities will not only
allow the institution to grow in financial
sustainability but will revitalize the core
of what we are: a learning community
filled with passionate individuals striving
to make personal connections.
Agribusiness IW Agribusiness students in the field. The IW Agribusiness program will prepare students for careers in a
number of fields, including seed, grain, livestock and equipment sales, agricultural finance, quality control,
agricultural journalism, policy analysis and more.
Tim Furlong joined the Tiger family
in March 2020 with the goal of helping “What I do is take things I’ve learned, Professor Furlong and Dr. DeWayne
Iowa Wesleyan grow an Agribusiness and say this is what I’ve seen work and Frazier, University Provost, agree that
program. Professor Furlong worked in this is how you need to look at it, but the Agribusiness concentration is likely
the Agribusiness field for over 30 years you need to make up your own mind.” to grow to over 50 students within the
before he started teaching. Having Professor Furlong intends to work next few years, recognizing that the
Professor Furlong on campus means that with students on how they can apply average major offered by Iowa Wesleyan
students get to learn from somebody classroom knowledge to the field. hosts approximately 70 students. “I
who has worked in the field and can
share real-life experiences. Professor “One out of every 12 jobs in the economy is connected in some way,
Furlong notes of his teaching style: shape, or form to what happens on the farm.”
Tom Vilsack, former US Secretary of Agriculture.
6 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021
FEATURE
think this program has the chance to on this planet in 30 years and we have to
be one of the fastest-growing,” said Dr. feed them so we need agriculture people,
DeWayne Frazier. “Iowa is one of the and that doesn’t mean just farmers. But
most important states when it comes to there’s some tremendous... opportunities
agriculture.” Professor Furlong notes in agriculture.” Iowa Wesleyan is
that in order to grow, “We have got to encouraging students to learn about and
get in front of these students... and that’s experience agribusiness outside of the
not by email. You don’t date anyone over classroom through internships.
an email, and this is the same thing.”
Iowa Wesleyan has been reaching out to
local schools and FFA programs to make
Learn more at
connections with prospective students. iw.edu/agribusiness
Iowa Wesleyan is also pleased
to welcome Kansas State Fulbright
Scholar and Ag Economist, Dr. Agness Athletics Growth
Mzyece as an Assistant Professor of
Agribusiness. A Fulbright Scholarship
The presence of athletics has long
is one of the highest honors of
been a cornerstone of Iowa Wesleyan,
academia. Iowa Wesleyan recognizes
and with over 77% of the fall 2020
that farming, particularly within Iowa,
incoming class being involved in
is a global industry and Dr. Mzyece will
athletics, and a total of 341 student- Kailyn Clay '24 with IW Wrestling Head Coach
demonstrate the global impact and the Shawn Contos. Read about IW Wrestling on page 38.
athletes, it’s not hard to see the strength
diversity involved in the agri-world.
of that community. In an effort to
Additionally, IW alumna and FFA
expand the number of athletic teams, “Athletics plays a unique
member Gail Kunch, who successfully
worked as a high school biology teacher
IW considered the growth of high role at Iowa Wesleyan
school wrestling in the region and across
for the past several years, has joined Iowa
the entire country. In April of 2018, University. A large proportion
Wesleyan as an Assistant Professor of
Biology. Kunch is the only person in
Iowa Wesleyan publicly announced the of our students compete in
addition of both men’s and women’s
Iowa who has taken every certification wrestling with the intention of starting intercollegiate athletics. The
for teaching in the Curriculum for
Agriculture in Science Education.
the program in fall 2020. This made tools they learn within their
Iowa Wesleyan the first NCAA Division
Dr. Frazier states that “our students will III university in Iowa to sponsor athletic experiences assist with
be privileged to learn from these highly
qualified and experienced faculty." ”
women’s wrestling. their efforts in the classroom,
Mark Willis, class of 1970, and 2017
In addition to the fantastic faculty inductee into the IW Tiger Athletics and life after Iowa Wesleyan.”
involved in the new Agribusiness Hall of Fame, and his wife, Sandy Willis, Derek Zander, Vice President for Advancement and Athletics
program, Iowa Wesleyan provides donated $250,000 to the creation of a
a unique curriculum. Currently, state-of-the-art wrestling training center.
Agribusiness is a concentration within Coach Contos serves as the head men’s
The Mark and Sandy Willis gift was
the Business major, allowing students and women’s wrestling coach and is
given as a challenge to other alumni and
to focus their education on leadership joined by Jake Kadel, assistant coach,
IW Tiger fans to continue to add and
and sales skills while still addressing Stephen Holloway, graduate assistant,
expand athletic programs on campus.
the biological components. This and Cash Wilcke, graduate assistant.
The facility was renovated fall 2020 and
business-first approach is better suited These three assistant coaches come to
currently serves over 40 student-athletes
to meeting the needs of local companies Iowa Wesleyan after successful careers
who enrolled at IW in the first recruiting
based on market research conducted by wrestling at the University of Iowa.
class.
Dr. Frazier. He noted that, “we have a The Tigers wrestling program is
Iowa Wesleyan is pleased to
moral obligation to be involved in the not the only program that is creating
welcome Shawn Contos as the Head
economic development of the region.” a buzz on campus and across the
Wrestling Coach. As a four-time
The new Agribusiness program seeks Mount Pleasant Community. The
USA All-American Wrestler with 20
to connect IW graduates with local Iowa Wesleyan football program has a
years of experience coaching wrestling,
employers in Southeast Iowa. Professor long-standing history and tradition and
Contos will help Iowa Wesleyan build a
Furlong adds, “From a world standpoint, is known at the Division I and NFL
successful wrestling team and program.
we’re going to have 2 billion more people level for being the home of the Air Raid
IW.EDU 7
FEATURE
offense. In December of 2019, Coach NAIA, where we have so many great Success & Inclusive Support (OASIS),
Marvelander Daniels was appointed memories of tradition and success. Our located on the top floor of the campus
as the new head football coach. Coach Tiger fans across the country should get library. “This is where a lot of students
Daniels and his staff have hit the ground ready for an exciting ride.” hang out,” Aranda states. “I think
running and brought in a talented group through the relationships we have built
of student-athletes in just 8 months at with the students, they see us as a safe
the helm. Increasing Retention: place to ask questions.”
“This is an exciting time for Student Success Students often would go to the
Iowa Wesleyan University and Tiger OASIS with questions about financial
Athletics,” said Derek Zander, Vice Center aid or how to choose a major, which
President for Advancement and showed Aranda and her team that there
Athletics. On October 5, the National Iowa Wesleyan University has always was a need for a more structured student
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics offered support to students through success initiative. The primary change
(NAIA) approved Iowa Wesleyan academic advising and tutoring, but implemented is the addition of Student
Tigers to return to the NAIA. After took it a step further with the expansion Success Coaches. Each new student is
evaluating a possible transition out of the of the Student Success Center. The assigned a Student Success Coach who is
National Collegiate Athletic Association Student Success Center allows students, trained to help answer their questions or
(NCAA), it was determined that IW’s even before they come to campus, to provide a clear direction of where to find
mission, academic programs, geographic have a one-stop-shop for any issues they additional resources.
location, and commitment to quality may have. Katie Aranda, the Assistant Iowa Wesleyan encourages students
athletics aligns with the philosophy and Dean of Student Success Initiatives, to ask for help when they need it and
goals within the NAIA. “I would like to notes that the new structure is a “more offers support systems where they’re
personally thank the NAIA membership intentional” avenue for students to needed. Additionally, the Student
team for assisting us through the receive assistance. This reformed Success Center goes beyond being a
application and evaluation process. We Student Success Center emerged support system for students to reach
are looking forward to our return to the naturally from the Office of Academic out to. Success Coaches initiate
conversations, providing guidance as
students navigate through the challenges
of starting college. New students
connect with their Success Coaches
along with the rest of the Student
Success Center team. These connections
let the team “celebrate those little wins,”
Aranda stated. “We have students who
didn’t think they would be able to go
to college.’ [When] they get those first
midterms grades and they did well, we
get to cheer with them and celebrate
with them.” This program is important
for the Iowa Wesleyan student body as
roughly 60% of our 2020 freshman class
are first-generation college students.
The Student Success Center also
works with families. Iowa Wesleyan
is proud to be a diverse campus, with
Katie Aranda, Assistant Dean of Student Success Initiatves, works with IW student Daisy Scholz '24 students coming from across the country
at the OASIS center.
“For some of our students, an IW education is
transformational not only for them but for their families.”
Dr. DeWayne Frazier, University Provost
8 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021
FEATURE IW.EDU 9
FEATURE 10 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021
FEATURE
“For an institution like Iowa Wesleyan, an online program enhances the campus
experience and allows students to graduate faster. It's another way for people
in the surrounding area to achieve their goals and grow personally. I think it’s
valuable for Southeast Iowa to have graduate and four-year degrees that students
can earn online.”
Valerie Henessee, Director of Graduate and Professional Studies
and the world, but we recognize that
there are many challenges associated
First Class of to grow. Like other concentrations
within the MAML program, there is
with traveling for school. The Student Master’s Graduates a business-centered approach to the
Success Coaches will help families Criminal Justice concentration, making
prepare for the start of the student’s first In August 2019, IW Online saw it unique to Iowa Wesleyan.
year of college. its first two graduates of the Master of The success of the current programs
Arts in Management and Leadership has IW Online considering the strategic
expansion of graduate program offerings
Fall 2020 Record (MAML) program, launched in January
2018. IW Online has since seen more in the coming years. This growth will
Enrollment than 10 graduates in less than three years help the University reach potential
and the classes continue to grow in size. online students who may otherwise be
IW Online Through the Fall 2020 semester, unable to get a locally-based education.
IW Online is proudly serving over 50
The online higher education graduate-level students through the two
competition is fierce. With larger masters programs. In addition, 40% Undergraduate
universities having staked their claim of these students have returned after
years ago, Iowa Wesleyan University has completing their undergraduate degree IW Online is proud to offer a large
been shifting significantly to compete in with Iowa Wesleyan. selection of undergraduate courses,
the online market. IW Online was a key providing students with the schedule
factor in helping Iowa Wesleyan have a flexibility that enables them to be
record-breaking enrollment for Fall 2020 MECI & MAML involved on campus or in their local
community without concern for missing
despite challenges associated with the
COVID-19 pandemic. The University
CJ Concentration classes. IW Online also allows students
saw a 13% increase in enrollment across to work on finishing their degrees
all programs and a 25% increase in In fall 2019 IW Online launched without coming to campus.
the online Graduate and Professional the new Masters of Education in Currently, IW Online is helping over
Programs. Curriculum and Instruction (MECI) 50 undergraduate students work toward
As IW Online continues to grow program. This innovative program helps their degrees, a current record for the
and expand, students continue to students to learn about education and program.
benefit from a small-school community teaching. Five graduate students are
environment. "Students from around enrolled in the MECI program as of
the globe become like neighbors in IW Fall 2020.
Online," according to University Provost, Fall 2020 brought the addition of a
Dr. DeWayne Frazier. new concentration within the MAML
program: Criminal Justice. This
program has invited three new students
in its first semester and is expected
IW.EDU 11PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
Leading
the Charge
Get to know President Christine Plunkett
In August 2019, You’ve been a member of this and better understand our enrollment
campus community since 2015. patterns and academic strengths. These
Christine Plunkett became How did the transition to President are “legs of the stool” that must support
the 30th President of Iowa come about? a financially sustainable institution, and I
I came to the Iowa Wesleyan was asked to extend my stay each year to
Wesleyan University and community from Vermont in July 2015 continue my work in these areas.
the first female president in as the Vice President for Finance, My transition into the role of
its storied 178-year history. expecting it would be an interim position President in 2019 reflects one of the
for one to two years. Over the next current realities in private higher
Below is a candid interview couple of years, I immersed myself in education. The traditional path to the
with President Plunkett the University’s finances. My initial presidency of a college or university has
focus was an initiative to restructure been through academic ranks, perhaps
about her journey, the first our institutional debt through the Rural from professor to department chair
year of her presidency, and Development offices of the USDA. to dean to the president. In today’s
what she sees for the future I also applied my financial analysis challenging regulatory environment and
background to improve our long-term difficult economic climate, however,
of Iowa Wesleyan. budgeting and cash management systems and given the dramatic shifts in
12 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
demographics and student enrollment outside the community. Furthermore, particular end.
patterns, there is an increasing interest with the challenges for the immediate My foundation for lifelong learning
in having leaders who are well-versed in future revolving around financial was laid early. I grew up surrounded
financial matters, comfortable navigating management and regional economic by the 700 beautiful acres of my
complex legal and regulatory concerns, sustainability, identifying a leader with family’s northern Vermont farm with
and entrepreneurial in spirit. financial understanding was imperative. no television in sight. I began early in
When President Steve Titus my life to appreciate the time spent
announced his retirement in 2019, the Please share your background and outdoors with family and friends. My
University was involved in a complex how you got into higher education mother was a science and math teacher
process, seeking to secure a more viable leadership. who encouraged her children to closely
financial future through a partnership I did not set out to become a observe everything from the smallest
with another university. I believe college president. As I worked my way animal footprint or tiny wildflower to
the Board of Trustees felt that fully through my undergraduate and graduate the largest mountain ranges. My father,
implementing such a partnership would studies, corporate employment, self- a microbiologist, spent his time with
require a constancy and focus in the employment, apple farming (!), and us carrying out kitchen sink science
University’s leadership that wouldn’t be educational administration positions, I experiments, gardening, teaching us
met by bringing in someone new from was not following a prescribed path to a how to plaster the walls of our hundred-
IW.EDU 13PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
year-old farmhouse, or leading us on learned along the way have led me to to manage our campus COVID-19
the adventure of a midnight moonlit where I am today. response, whether through modified
snowshoe hike. We spent much of teaching methods, administering
our remaining free time immersed in What have been your greatest COVID-19 tests, looking after ailing
reading: absorbing stories, poems, and challenges that you have faced students, sanitizing the campus,
news articles that we shared during in your first year and a half as managing technology needs, or finding
dinner-table conversations. President? And what have been your creative ways to work at a distance from
On its face, my professional greatest achievements that you have one’s peers. I cannot adequately express
opportunities have always grown out of accomplished thus far? how much I appreciate the patience
my financial background and expertise. Certainly, the emergence of the that our entire IW community has
Because of my family’s academic COVID-19 pandemic has been a demonstrated throughout this incredibly
background and my personal enthusiasm tremendous and unanticipated challenge challenging time.
for supporting under-served students, that has consumed much of our time It is striking that one of our greatest
however, my professional journey over the past eight months. In addition achievements has come against the odds
has predominantly steered me in the to providing a foundation for lifelong of the COVID-19 pandemic. This past
direction of educational institutions. learning, universities offer an important fall, we had the highest undergraduate
I have now spent nearly twenty-five opportunity for discourse and social enrollment in ten years, increasing
years in educational environments, engagement. The necessity for social by 13% over last year at a time when
including ten years at a private secondary distancing, mask-wearing, quarantining, undergraduate enrollments nationally
school and seven as the CFO and then and isolating is at odds with the decreased by an average of 4%. Our
president at a small Vermont college. traditional campus experience. While enrollment of first-year students
There is no “right” path to a higher our students have been responsible and increased by a remarkable 54% over
education career, and my path is simply respectful of our COVID-19 policies, last year, while first-year enrollments
an example of one person’s course. we know that the hybrid model of nationally declined by an average of 16%.
Growing up in Vermont within an virtual and face-to-face classes and the I attribute this remarkable success
independent-minded family, a frame unnatural social separation has been to the campus-wide Student Success
of mind that perceives no obstacles has stressful for them. We also see the stress initiative that our entire IW community
naturally become a part of who I am. impacting our faculty and staff members, has fully embraced over the last couple
This mindset, unexpected professional almost all of whom are essentially of years. We have come to recognize
opportunities, wonderful strong women working two jobs: fulfilling their that our unique strength is our ability
as my mentors, and some basic lessons regular job responsibilities and helping to attract and serve traditionally under-
resourced students:
those who are first-
“This past fall, we had the highest undergraduate enrollment in ten years, generation, low-
increasing by 13% over last year at a time when undergraduate enrollments income, non-white,
nationally decreased by an average of 4%.” and those from other
countries. These
students thrive here
because of the safety
of our small, rural community. They
thrive here because of the small classes
and close relationships they can form
with faculty and staff members. They
thrive here because our small size means
they have plenty of opportunities to
participate and compete in our athletic
programs. They thrive here because
they are seen, and they have countless
opportunities to become engaged and
become leaders. And they thrive here
because on the most diverse campus in
Iowa; they feel that their differences are
honored.
Understanding our unique niche has
When the novel coronavirus complicated 2020 Spring Commencement, President Plunkett traveled to allowed us to focus on strengthening
students when possible to provide a private graduation ceremony. Pictured: Nijole Laverd '20.
14 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
our support services for students. We
have significantly expanded our already
active Student Success Center by hiring
several success coaches who understand
the unique challenges faced by many
of our students. We have a talented
team of admissions counselors who can
identify applicants who will be a good
fit at the University and a dedicated
team of financial aid counselors who
begin the sensitive conversations about
how to finance a college education.
Our professors and athletic coaches
understand the importance of personal
relationships in the classroom and on
the playing field, and it is their personal
attention that keeps our students here.
I am fortunate to have a team of
administrative colleagues committed
first and foremost to our students.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has
impacted us in many challenging ways,
our commitment to students remains
steadfast. We are all working together to
ensure that our recent successes continue
into the future.
Part of your transition to President
included the continued work on
future partnerships/affiliations for the President Plunkett became the first female President of Iowa Wesleyan University.
university for a more secure future.
Could you share an update on this? and other extracurricular activities, methods. Some of our students,
My Cabinet colleagues and I have and present ourselves as a single particularly those who live outside the
enjoyed getting to know Dr. Michael entity with two unique campuses. An country, were unable to return to campus
Ash, the president of Southeastern important aspect of the alliance will be this fall due to travel restrictions. Other
Community College, and his colleagues to strengthen relationships with regional students spent as much as two weeks of
over the past year. In July, we entered employers and develop targeted curricula the semester in quarantine or isolation
into a Memorandum of Understanding to meet their educational needs. A here on campus. Others needed to
with SCC to work towards a partnership robust educational system can provide return home mid-semester due to
between our two institutions. Since a backbone for the development of a COVID-19 related family challenges.
then, we have completed a thorough regional workforce. We believe the IW- It has been necessary for our faculty
due diligence process and worked SCC partnership will play an important members to be agile and responsive
collaboratively to develop a unique role in further developing the strength to our students’ needs by offering
alliance between SCC, a two-year public and vitality of Southeast Iowa. both face-to-face and virtual learning
career-focused community college, opportunities. Similarly, our employees
and IW, a four-year private liberal In what ways have you needed to have had to adapt to occasional periods
arts university. Under the proposed adapt or think differently as you lead a of working exclusively from home due to
partnership, each institution will retain university through a pandemic? either temporary closure of the campus
its own identity, accreditation, board, The pandemic has necessarily led to or the need for individual quarantine or
and president under the umbrella of a new thinking about the ways in which isolation.
regional non-profit organization. The students learn and the ways in which There has been global speculation
intent is to develop numerous academic employees work. Last spring, our faculty of a more permanent shift to online
pathways for students, identify areas for members became students themselves learning and remote employment
shared expenses, create cross-campus as they learned new technologies and because of the pandemic. It has certainly
opportunities in intramural athletics expanded their classroom teaching been helpful to discover that we can
IW.EDU 15PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
change direction quickly to meet
unanticipated challenges. I have never
lost sight that we are an institution built
on personal relationships. However, we
have seen firsthand that our community
suffers when we cannot be together in
our work and our studies. The pandemic
has underscored the importance of these
relationships, and we are all eager to
return to a more familiar environment.
What hopes and desires do you
have for the future of Iowa Wesleyan
University?
Iowa Wesleyan University is a vital
part of Southeast Iowa’s educational
landscape and regional economy. The
University’s economic impact is more
than $55 million annually, and the
collective economic impact of IW and
Southeastern Community College
is nearly $200 million. Beyond the
economic impact are the community
and cultural contributions the
University provides, including orchestra
performances, gallery exhibitions,
celebrations of our international
students, STEM festivals, speaker
symposiums, and more. I fervently
hope for a future where Iowa Wesleyan
University continues to be a cornerstone
of the Mount Pleasant community
while remaining nimble and creative
in addressing significant shifts in the
nation’s higher education landscape.
It is critical that vital educational
resources in rural America be preserved
Chris and her husband, John Watson, on the porch of the Harlan-Lincoln House on the northern edge of the
and sustained in the face of economic Iowa Wesleyan University campus.
challenges. It is my hope that the
IW-SCC affiliation grows to become make a difference in its students’ lives. You and your husband, John, are
a broader coalition of educational There is a large population of under- very active outdoors. Tell us more
institutions, regional employers, and served students across the country about how you enjoy your time together
social service agencies working together seeking to better their lives through in Mount Pleasant.
to enhance opportunities for people who education. It is not only their own lives John and I both grew up in New
live and work in the region. We believe they are improving. They contribute England within an easy drive of the
the affiliation could become a national their intellect and knowledge to the mountains and the ocean. We have
model for revitalizing higher education country’s social and economic landscape, always spent a lot of time outdoors
in rural areas. playing a vital role in medicine, business, hiking, camping, swimming, bicycling,
Most of all, I wish for the University criminal justice, education, research, and skiing. One of the things we love
to thrive financially and continue to social work, science, technology, law, and about Iowa is the beautiful rolling
more. landscape. We frequently ride our
“Most of all, I wish for the University to bicycles on the Cedar Valley Nature
Trail between Solon and Urbana and
thrive financially and continue to make a occasionally on the Racoon River Trail in
the Des Moines area. We feel fortunate
difference in its students’ lives.” that right here in Mount Pleasant, we
16 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021PRESIDENT CHRISTINE PLUNKETT
Chris, her daughters and their families, from left to right: Sarah (daughter); Brian (son-in-law);
Teddy (grandson); Brett (son-in-law); Paige (daughter); Chris.
Chris's daughter Audrey takes family dog (and
unofficial IW mascot) Finnegan for a walk in
Montreal.
Rumor has it that you have had a
new grandchild born each year you have
been with IW. How have you been able
to stay connected with your growing
Chris and her son Evan, taken during a recent visit. Chris with two of her grandsons: Cal(left) and family while you are here in Iowa?
Teddy(right).
Yes, our first grandchild, Teddy,
was born in November 2015, just a
few months after I arrived in Mount
Pleasant. Since then, five more
grandchildren have arrived: Tenzin,
Parker, Calvin, Elizabeth, and Matilda,
one each year! A seventh one is on the
way in January.
Until the pandemic impacted us,
John and I made regular trips during the
winter holidays and the summers to visit
our five children and our grandchildren.
We love to travel, and with children in
Denver, Boston, Florida, Virginia, and
Montreal, we have always had a great
choice of destinations! We particularly
enjoy train travel, and Mount Pleasant is
Chris and John with their family during a visit to the Boston Children's Museum in South Boston, MA. fortunate to have an Amtrak stop right
here on campus. Like everyone else in
have easy and quick access to East Lake In the winter, they love to romp and the world, we have struggled with the
Park and the beautiful trail from the wrestle in the snow in the fields around separation caused by the pandemic. We
lake over to the Old Threshers grounds. the lake. And, of course, we love walking haven’t seen any of our family members
During the summer, I can easily fit in with the dogs around the beautiful Iowa since Christmas 2019, and we haven’t
a daily ten-mile bike ride after work Wesleyan campus. There is nothing they met our newest grandchild yet. We
before it gets dark. East Lake is also love more than receiving affection from talk to all of our children on the phone
a favorite spot year-round for walking the students! regularly, and we try to make regular
our two big dogs, Finnegan and Mocha. video calls to keep in touch with our
grandchildren.
IW.EDU 17COVID-19
March 12, 2020 of online learning across the nation,
many Iowa Wesleyan students continue
to feel like they’re part of the classroom
environment, Iowa Wesleyan has been
marked a historic moment for Iowa to prefer the in-person, traditional doing everything possible to maintain
Wesleyan University as students were classroom. The majority of students said the on-campus environment without
asked to transition from the traditional that while the transition to online was compromising the safety of its students,
classroom to online learning for their necessary for Spring 2020, they did not faculty, or staff.
health and safety due to the Novel want to be online for the fall semester.
Coronavirus global pandemic. Within Iowa Wesleyan faculty and staff
the extended two-week spring break, worked tirelessly to help bring students The Virtual Campus
every class was recreated in the online back to campus for the 2020-2021
classroom, Canvas. Students were academic year. From the development of Iowa Wesleyan University has always
encouraged to stay home after spring virtual tours to randomized COVID-19 encouraged prospective students to visit
break if they were able and finish the testing and hiring of a full-time campus the campus of any college or university
semester remotely. nurse to the creation of hybrid classes, they are interested in. We recognize the
Despite the increasing popularity which allows distance learning students importance of having a campus feel like
18 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021COVID-19
home. Due to the safety issues associated
with bringing groups of potential
students to campus in conjunction with
travel restrictions, Iowa Wesleyan has
temporarily restructured how campus
visits are conducted.
Scheduled virtual visits were offered
for the incoming fall 2020 class. This
virtual visit included a scheduled
meeting with advisors and a peer-
led tour of campus, all done virtually,
allowing students to have an on-campus
experience from home. This method also
allowed student-athletes to meet their
coaches in a one-on-one setting and
musicians to complete their auditions.
While the virtual tour experience may
not feel the same as stepping onto
campus for the first time, we recognize
the limitations our students have in
visiting campus and want to provide a
real feel tour as much as possible.
While on-campus visits will continue
to be encouraged, we hope to continue
providing this virtual visit service to
prospective students who can’t travel to
campus even after COVID-19 concerns
subside. a rapid results spit-test. If they tested and it’s not just an ‘oh they’re students,
positive, they were moved to isolation.” they’re not following the guidelines.’
Students who tested positive spent ten It’s everybody that needs those helpful
Moving to Campus days in isolation. reminders. Students that get [tested]
Testing has continued throughout positive, they’re still students, it’s not like
Planning to bring students back the semester. The health team ensures they did anything wrong.” The health
to campus began almost as soon as that athletes are regularly tested to team has created a culture of acceptance
they left. In March, Iowa Wesleyan avoid an outbreak within a team while and inclusion, without negating the
University began planning how to also completing weekly random tests importance of the issue, which helps
screen each student and family as they within the residence halls. This random students who expect that they have been
arrived on campus. This process started testing helps the health team identify in contact with or may have contracted
with creating a health team, composed positive cases before an outbreak can COVID-19 to come forward. Klundt
initially of Matt Klundt, Assistant Dean occur, mainly since most of the positive stated that he has known of several
for Health, Careers, and Service and cases have been asymptomatic. Students students who have willingly stepped
campus nurse Nancy Wagner M.S.N., are also encouraged to visit the campus forward to be a part of contact tracing
R.N. With the beginning of the Fall nurse if they are concerned about having after learning about a positive test case.
2020 semester, three graduate assistants, been exposed to COVID-19 or if they With regards to how Iowa Wesleyan has
Hunter Davis, Justin Noble, and Jacyln are having some of the symptoms. been able to avoid an outbreak, Wagner
Schwieger, joined the health team. The While there have been positive attributed it to “teamwork, we are
health team was instrumental in creating cases, Iowa Wesleyan has avoided a working together.”
and executing specific procedures that major outbreak in large part due to As the academic year progresses,
brought students back to campus. “At the dedication of the health team Iowa Wesleyan will continue to adapt
the beginning, we staggered check-ins,” and the cooperation of the students, to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
said Matt Klundt. “Our policy was that faculty, and staff. While Iowa Wesleyan Wagner recognizes learning about this
if a student came from a hot-spot... they enforces social distancing and mask- virus and how to handle it is “a learning
were quarantined [in their rooms] for wearing, Klundt encourages everyone curve. It’s a lot of moving parts, and you
four days, then they were tested through to remember that “we are all humans, just have to adjust.” As routine testing
IW.EDU 19COVID-19
and following CDC recommended supported this decision by students and
guidelines continue, the health team has their families and has developed ways for
also been looking at ways to go above students to learn online without feeling
and beyond to serve students in isolation. isolated from the classroom.
Isolated students are allowed to spend
time outdoors within specific parameters
to avoid spreading COVID-19 to the The New Classroom
local community. The health team has
also offered to pick up pre-paid groceries IW Online played a crucial role in
for students or deliver pizzas during finishing the Spring 2020 semester
mealtimes. after the COVID-19 pandemic forced
As Iowa Wesleyan looks to the the Iowa Wesleyan University campus
future, we retain the goal of keeping to close temporarily. Iowa Wesleyan
Dr. Agness Mzyece teaches in September.
our students, faculty, and staff safe both staff spent the two weeks of spring Transparent face shields are one of several options
on and off campus. Wagner notes the break manually transferring every for faculty during in-person classes.
goal of hiring a nurse practitioner. In active on-campus class to Canvas done and was very focused on taking
the short term, the nurse practitioner (learning management system) and care of the students.” IW Online was
would assist in the testing and treatment creating training videos for students able to automatically generate Canvas
of COVID-19. Wagner hopes to offer and instructors on how to use and learn companions for every on-campus
students tests and treatment for other within the Canvas platform. course offered in the Fall 2020 semester,
illnesses, such as strep or mononucleosis. “It was challenging, but it was fun,” providing the opportunity for students to
“I see a lot of potential for improving the said Valerie Henessee, Director of stay online through hybrid classes.
health of the students.” Graduate and Professional Studies. “It Dr. Jeffery Martinek, Professor of
Still, many students opted not to was really satisfying to see the results. English, spearheaded the transition
return to campus. Iowa Wesleyan has Everybody pulled together and got it to hybrid learning for the Fall 2020
“I think Iowa Wesleyan’s dedication to students comes through i
like that. It’s really gratifying to see… I just think our personal c
students helped get us through.”
Valerie Henessee, Director of Graduate and Professional Studies
20 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | W INTER 2021COVID-19
Masked and 6 feet apart, incoming
freshmen pause for a Class of 2020
group drone photo.
semester. “I remember,” stated Dr. social media and online interactions were enforced due dates. “It requires more of
Martinek, “March 11 was the day I increasingly sneaking into the classroom the students to have more of their own
realized that COVID-19 was going even in the days before COVID-19. Dr. motivation and to go and get things
to be as bad as we were seeing in Martinek has been working tirelessly to done.” Dr. Martinek hopes that the
Europe. It had the potential to close reconsider teaching in higher education students find the in-person classes to
institutions. I thought from the start that within this new societal context. feel more like a voluntary gathering. “It’s
we were going to be forced to rethink Through this, the structure of the an essential part… but what’s nice is it’s
the classroom and what we mean by classroom has become “more of a team, flexible. Sometimes you meet just to sort
education and how we can deliver it.” it’s not all on [the professor]. In that, it’s of huddle up, and sometimes you meet
The primary concern students had more like a contemporary workplace; the to begin working together. It just makes
regarding online classes in the Spring structure tends to be more horizontal. the meeting time more like a real-world
was the potential to feel isolated from The professor is no longer the source of situation.”
classmates and professors. While there all wisdom, but it is more of a facilitator While Iowa Wesleyan is seeing
are discussion boards, students prefer and coordinator [relationship].” Dr. a shift towards online learning, our
speaking with their professors and Martinek is using the Fall 2020 semester professors are committed to maintaining
each other in a face-to-face setting. to experiment, treating the in-person the small-school feel that we do best.
Dr. Martinek has developed a teaching classroom meetings as a chance to “You have to be able to keep the human
method in a classroom and online workshop with students while treating element,” states Dr. Martinek. The goal
simultaneously, offering his distance Canvas as the place for assignments and of Iowa Wesleyan’s online environment
learning students a chance to be included is to create a community for students
and involved in the classroom. who may not be able to be on campus.
“What we’re doing in some ways “I think there’s a niche in creating a
is an experiment. We’re flipping the 21st-century experience that has a large
classroom.” Dr. Martinek addresses the digital and social media component but
shift in the student culture, noting that also puts small-scale and community at
the center as a cardinal value.”
h in moments of crisis
connections to
All students, faculty and staff are asked to wear
masks indoors, particularly where appropriate
social distancing is not possible.
IW.EDU 21OUR FRONT PORCH
Often discussions regarding historical artifacts focus and east side of her Mount Pleasant home.” Less than an inch
on delicate, hand-held family heirlooms, ornately carved and a half tall and just one sentence in length, this newspaper
furniture, or vibrant art pieces. But for structures like the segment grounds the museum’s modern knowledge of a major
Harlan-Lincoln House at Iowa Wesleyan University, the structural change occurring at the home just before the turn of
building itself is a historical artifact which has to be carefully the century.
cared for. Since 2005, the The 2020 facilities plan for the Harlan-Lincoln House
new front porch of the museum included maintenance work to stabilize porch posts,
Harlan-Lincoln House add a non-slip sealant to its floorboards, and refresh the entire
museum, a reproduction structure’s iconic yellow paint. Unfortunately, the events of
of the 1895 porch, has July 19th expedited the necessity for the planned work. That
welcomed visitors, hosted morning, a storm blew through Mount Pleasant, bringing
social gatherings, fostered down one of the beautiful maple trees from the west lawn onto
leisurely talks among the museum, damaging the reproduction porch. “Overall, the
friends, and provided a situation could have been so much more detrimental,” recalls
shaded spot to relax and Director of the Harlan-Lincoln House Anna Mullen Villareal,
take in the vista of the “The original 1876 section of the building was untouched and
Iowa Wesleyan University all artifacts inside safe. But, it is an important reminder of how
campus. our tangible history is constantly challenged by the natural
It was Mary Harlan- environment.”
Lincoln, Senator James To respond quickly to the damage, the Friends of the
Harlan’s eldest daughter, Harlan-Lincoln House created the “Our Front Porch”
married to Robert Todd campaign. This campaign seeks to raise $30,000 to repair the
Lincoln, who added the storm damage, complete the 2020 facilities projects, replant
porch to the family’s trees on the museum’s west lawn, and develop new external
residence in 1895. Both educational signage. As of November 1, over 66% of the
written notations and campaign’s goal had been met. For more information on the
A storm on July 19, 2020 felled a beautiful historic photographic museum or the “Our Front Porch” campaign, visit
maple tree on the west lawn of the Harlan- prints provide insights iw.edu/harlan-lincoln-house. Donations can be sent to
Lincoln House. The damage increased
urgency for necessary restoration work.
into the 1895 porch’s Director, Harlan-Lincoln House, 601 N. Main Street in
construction and design. Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
For example, a brief The mission of the Harlan-Lincoln House at Iowa
mention in the historic Wesleyan University is to interpret the home to the public for
Mount Pleasant Journal on its significance to the Harlan and Lincoln Families, to reinforce
September 5th, 1895 reads, the relationship to the University, and to fulfill the home’s
“Mrs. Robert Lincoln is vital role in the living history of the University and the Mount
[erecting] a fine colonial Pleasant community.
[porch] around the south
For more info, visit iw.edu/harlan-lincoln-house
22 IOWA W E SLE YA N UNI V ERSIT Y | FA LL 2020THE SUSAN MOSELY GRANDISON FUND
In addition to the COVID-19 global pandemic, 2020 is a pursue a college degree. She served as an instructor at Clark
year defined by a paramount social justice reform movement in Atlanta College, now Clark Atlanta University, and Bennett
the United States. On June 1st, after the senseless and tragic College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Iowa Established with personal donations from the Iowa
Wesleyan University President Chris Plunkett spoke directly to Wesleyan University Cabinet members, the Susan Mosely
the students; “Both personally and on behalf of the entire Iowa Grandison Diversity and Inclusion Fund will be used to fulfill
Wesleyan community, I want to express solidarity with those the institution’s commitment to deepening the understanding
of you who suffer daily from the fear of racial discrimination, of diversity and face challenges relating to equality and
who experience the ongoing sting of economic injustice, and inclusion. It will allow Iowa Wesleyan University
for whom a sense of despair and outrage has become a fact to establish affiliations and memberships
of life…It is not enough for the leaders of this University with national student organizations focused
to say that we will provide you with a safe and supportive on diversity and inclusion, host facilitators
community within which to study…We must double for awareness and educational training
down on [our] commitment to impact change through on campus, sponsor student attendance at
education.” national conferences on race and diversity
The first step in demonstrating its commitment issues, and support programming and speaker
to the institution’s values of diversity, equality, events. The intention is for the fund to become
and inclusion is the establishment of the a fully established endowment, ensuring the
Susan Mosely Grandison Diversity and continued support of diversity initiatives
Inclusion Fund. Announced in celebration of at Iowa Wesleyan. “Iowa Wesleyan has
Juneteenth, the fund is named in honor of long been an institution of diversity and
Susan Mosely Grandison, the first African- inclusion,” notes University Provost Dr.
American graduate of Iowa Wesleyan DeWayne Frazier. “We pride ourselves on
University in 1885. being a place of opportunity for students
According to historical records, from all backgrounds.”
Susan’s parents, Moses and Maria, This campus, its administration,
were born into slavery, as was Susan faculty, and staff, are committed to
herself in the Confederate State of working for racial equality and social
Missouri. After the 13th Amendment’s justice.
ratification, the Mosely family relocated Donations to the Susan Mosely
to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, with Moses Grandison Diversity and Inclusion
working as a drayman for G.W. Fund can be made online at
Crafts and later a stonemason. The advancement.iw.edu/diversity or
Moselys were committed to providing mailed to the Office of University
educational opportunities for their Advancement at 601 N. Main
children. In return, Susan dedicated Street in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
her life and career to ensuring that
black students had the same chance to
The Susan Mosely Grandison Fund for Diversity and
Inclusion is named in honor of the first African-American
graduate of Iowa Wesleyan University in 1885.
IW.EDU 23You can also read
