51ÁÔÆæ had an outstanding evening at the Community Colleges for Iowa Convention and Tradeshow on Wednesday, December 4th, bringing home honors that highlight the college’s dedication to excellence and innovation.

Innovation Workspace Earns Outstanding Innovation Award
The 51ÁÔÆæ Innovation Workspace received the Outstanding Innovation Award, recognizing its commitment to creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement. This hub empowers students, entrepreneurs, and community members with design thinking and technology skills through hands-on programs and non-credit certificates. Participants tackle real business challenges, collaborate with local companies, and prototype products using professional-grade digital manufacturing tools—showcasing 51ÁÔÆæ’s dedication to building the workforce of the future.

“The Innovation Workspace has been a critical asset for developing the foundation of my business,” said Josh Jeske, founder of Terraform Tillage. “The people, equipment, and resources have served to invigorate the surrounding communities, and the innovations developed here are certain to impact the world at large!”

Dr. Rachel McGuire Named 51ÁÔÆæ’s Staff of the Year
Dr. Rachel McGuire, Vice President of Student Development and Success, was recognized as 51ÁÔÆæ’s Outstanding Staff of the Year for her unwavering dedication to students and transformative leadership. Over her 31-year career at 51ÁÔÆæ, Rachel has championed student success, spearheading initiatives like the Wellness Hub and Food Pantry, and implementing systems to support students’ academic and social needs. Known for her student-centric approach, Rachel regularly engages with students, attends their events, and celebrates their achievements. Her leadership and commitment have left a huge impact on 51ÁÔÆæ.

“Dr. Rachel McGuire is incredibly deserving of this award,” said 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Admissions, Anne Boyer. “Not only does she advocate for all 51ÁÔÆæ students identifying and implementing programming and opportunities to see students succeed, but she does the same for her staff and colleagues. 51ÁÔÆæ is a better place for all through her leadership and commitment to success.”

Rodney Zehr Honored as 51ÁÔÆæ’s Faculty of the Year
Rodney Zehr, a developmental Mathematics instructor, was awarded 51ÁÔÆæ’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year for his dedication to student success and educational excellence. Rodney’s ability to meet the diverse needs of underprepared and underserved students is exceptional, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. Beyond the classroom, he contributes through campus committees and volunteer efforts in his church and community. Known for his passion, compassion, and inclusiveness, Rodney fosters a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, exemplifying what it means to be an outstanding educator.

“Rodney’s recognition as the 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Community College Faculty Award is so well-deserved,” said 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Learning Services, Dalila Sajadian. “His dedication to his students and his impact both in and out of the classroom are truly inspiring. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement with him!”

Celebrating Excellence at 51ÁÔÆæ
Reflecting on the awards, 51ÁÔÆæ President Joel Pederson shared:
“At 51ÁÔÆæ, we celebrate the dedication of our employees. Their commitment to education and community inspires us all, proving that together, we can create a brighter future for every student. We thank them for their remarkable contributions and for making a lasting impact.”

These awards reflect 51ÁÔÆæ’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting student success, and making a meaningful impact on the community. Congratulations to the Innovation Workspace, Dr. Rachel McGuire, and Rodney Zehr for their outstanding achievements!

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Future. Found.
At 51ÁÔÆæ, our new tagline, Future. Found., is more than just words—it’s a promise. It captures who we are, what we stand for, and the incredible journey we provide to students, businesses, and our community.

What Does Future. Found. Mean?
Future. Found. reflects our commitment to helping people find their path and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a student starting your academic journey, a professional seeking career advancement, or a business looking for collaboration and growth, we’re here to help you discover your future.

For Students: Your future starts here at 51ÁÔÆæ. From your first day in class to graduation and beyond, we guide and support you as you shape your future. We’re not just a place of learning—we’re a place where dreams take shape.

For Businesses: We’re a trusted partner, working side by side with local businesses and industries to foster innovation, growth, and workforce development. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our region.

For Our Community: Our commitment to lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration extends beyond the classroom. At 51ÁÔÆæ, we help individuals and communities find new opportunities and create lasting impact.

Bringing Future. Found. to Life
We’re using Future. Found. to inspire everything we do across campus. From signage and digital displays to advertising campaigns and classroom discussions, this message will be woven into the fabric of 51ÁÔÆæ. It’s a reminder that, whether you’re here for education, career training, or community engagement, 51ÁÔÆæ is where your future begins.

Join Us
At 51ÁÔÆæ, the future isn’t just ahead—it’s found. Join us, and let’s discover what your future looks like together.

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51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is excited to announce the appointment of Joel Pedersen as its new President, effective July 1. Pedersen will succeed Steve Schulz, who is retiring after more than 10 years of distinguished service to the college.

The selection of Pedersen was the culmination of an extensive search led by a broad-based search committee, which included faculty, staff, students, and community leaders. The committee’s dedication over several months ensured a thorough and inclusive process, reflecting the college’s commitment to excellence and community engagement.

“We are profoundly grateful to the search committee. Their dedication ensured that the most qualified candidates were considered for the role of president at 51ÁÔÆæ,” said Cathy Rottinghaus, Board President. “The strength of the candidate pool made the decision challenging, but Joel stood out for his visionary leadership and dedication to community advancement. We are thrilled to have him join our team and lead 51ÁÔÆæ into a bright future.”

Pedersen comes to 51ÁÔÆæ with a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a deep commitment to community collaboration. His vision for the college emphasizes the importance of education in regional transformation and workforce development.

“I am honored to lead 51ÁÔÆæ and excited to work with the college community to achieve the shared vision of transforming our region,” said Pedersen upon his appointment. “51ÁÔÆæ is vital in providing educational opportunities and preparing our workforce for the future. I’m committed to building upon the college’s strong foundation and ensuring its continued success.”

Pedersen has an impressive track record of leadership and innovation in education. As the Chief Administrator of Central Rivers Area Education Agency, he oversaw services for 53 school districts, affecting 64,000 students and managing 550 staff members. His tenure as Superintendent of Cardinal Community School District was marked by significant achievements, including being named the 2020 Iowa Superintendent of the Year and leading the district to be recognized among the Top 150 Workplaces in Iowa for five consecutive years. Pedersen’s leadership has resulted in substantial growth in enrollment, high graduation rates, and the establishment of key initiatives like the Cardinal Area Welding Academy and significant facility improvements, showcasing his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community development.

The college community looks forward to the leadership and innovation that Pedersen will bring to his new role. Please join us in welcoming Joel Pedersen as the new President of 51ÁÔÆæ.

The mission of 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, 51ÁÔÆæ is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa. With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation. Become a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan today at /apply-mkt/.

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MASON CITY – Ryan Flickinger will become 51ÁÔÆæ’s sixth athletic director in school history and begins his duties on February 26, 2024.

Flickinger currently serves as the activities director at Osage High School and Middle School.

“I am excited to announce the hiring of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Athletic Director, Ryan Flickinger. Ryan is a student-centered leader who understands the importance of supporting and developing student-athletes on our campus.” 51ÁÔÆæ president Dr. Steve Schulz said. “Ryan has experience at both the high school and college levels in north Iowa, and we are excited to bring his skill set to 51ÁÔÆæ.

Flickinger graduated with his bachelor of science degree from Waldorf College in 2006 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Southern University in 2014.

Flickinger has been the Osage activities director since August of 2022. Before Flickinger was at Osage, he was the associate athletic director of compliance and recruiting at Waldorf University from 2018-2022, the associate director of admission and director of athletic recruiting from 2014-2018, the head baseball coach from 2011-2014, and the director of international recruiting from 2008-2010.

He also currently teaches three courses at 51ÁÔÆæ.

Flickinger said ,“I’m very excited for the opportunity and I’m blessed to have a lot of support around me. I’m just ready to get started. My time at Osage has been a wonderful experience and eye-opening and has helped me grow as a leader. But I’ve wanted to be a college athletic director.”

Flickinger said he will do a lot of learning in the first few months of his new job.

“I want to sit down with everyone in the department one-on-one,” he said, “and learn the lay of the land from that perspective. “As a leader, you have to understand your environment first before you can anticipate any changes that you may want to make, either for the betterment of the department or for each individual doing their job.

“As a leader, I want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to do their job well.”

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This year’s Community Colleges for Iowa Awards convention shone a spotlight on three outstanding individuals from 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ), who were celebrated for their exceptional contributions. The honorees, receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, and Outstanding Staff Award, exemplify excellence and dedication.

Anthony (Tony) Coloff 62’ was presented with the Outstanding Alumni Award, given to a graduate of any of Iowa’s Community Colleges who has shown leadership and commitment to their community. Molly Knoll, Director of Institutional Advancement at 51ÁÔÆæ, had the following to say about Coloff, “We are proud to recognize Tony for his leadership with this state-wide award. He embodies the College’s core values of success, engagement, and leadership. Tony is a dedicated ambassador for 51ÁÔÆæ throughout our region. He, along with his wife Sue, have been generous supporters of the Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success, provided annual scholarships, and supported the Keeping 51ÁÔÆæ First campaign to help build the STEM center.” Tony is a 1962 graduate of 51ÁÔÆæ’s predecessor Mason City Junior College. He has served on the 51ÁÔÆæ Alumni Advisory Board since 2004, demonstrating 20 years of dedicated service supporting and promoting the College. 

Dr. Heather DeWaard-Flickinger was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award. DeWaard-Flickinger, a 51ÁÔÆæ Health, Wellness, and Leisure instructor, is active on college-wide committees, champions new initiatives, and embraces challenges through collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. As CETL Director and advocate for mental health and college wellness, she regularly plans professional development to support new initiatives. In addition, DeWaard-Flickinger leads the campus physical fitness and wellness program, engages with regional colleagues to develop conference opportunities, and takes time to make the rounds on campus to check in on the well-being of colleagues. 51ÁÔÆæ President Dr. Steve Schulz said, “Heather is an exceptional instructor, a consummate professional, and a strong leader among the faculty. She is an outstanding representative of 51ÁÔÆæ’s faculty.”

Dr. Shelly Schmit, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness and Organization Development at 51ÁÔÆæ, was given the Outstanding Staff Award. Schulz praised Schmit, “Shelly has dedicated the last 25 years of her professional career to making 51ÁÔÆæ a better place for the staff and students. Her tireless work ethic and empathy for others make her an outstanding awardee in this category.” Schmit is responsible for human resources, professional development, institutional research, accreditation, and a variety of other duties.

Congratulations to these three well deserved winners.

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Kevin Muhlenbruch never wanted to do anything other than farm.  He just didn’t know he’d be doing the farming on a college campus. 

Muhlenbruch, an Ag Instructor at 51ÁÔÆæ, reflected on his long history of teaching (and learning) after being named as the recipient of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Excellence in Teaching Award in Career/Technical.

Hashtag Ag Life

Muhlenbruch was raised on a dairy farm in Franklin County, five miles north of Dows with his parents and five siblings. “Growing up on a dairy farm was a good way to grow up.”

“I was really active in FFA and agriculture in high school,” said Muhlenbruch, “I wanted a degree in Ag Ed.” 

After graduating from Dows High School, Muhlenbruch attended Iowa State and earned that degree. “I wanted to start farming but that was during the farm crisis of the 1980s so things weren’t so good on the farm back then.” 

“So, I thought I’d teach until I could figure out how to start farming —34 years later I’m still teaching.” Muhlenbruch said with a grin.

He taught two years at Albert Lea High School and three years at Rockford. While teaching in Rockford he ended up meeting some of the faculty and administration during a workshop on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus.   

When a job opened up he thought he’d apply. “I kind of liked the idea of teaching at a community college,” he said.

Over the last 34 years Muhlenbruch has taught agronomy, farm management and commodity market courses to hundreds of students at 51ÁÔÆæ. “With ag ed you can do lots of things, you can go into business, you can start farming, you can teach.”

Making multi-generational connections

Muhlenbruch and about twenty students were in the field on the 51ÁÔÆæ farm earlier this fall taking soil samples and readings. His students listened intently as he broke apart large clumps of dirt while talking about the condition of the soil.

Many of his students grew up or are currently living on farms.  Just like he did.  He makes them feel at home at the 51ÁÔÆæ Farm. Their common experiences and background connects them and creates lasting bonds.

“We’ve got some really good kids here.  They are into it — they want to do things, learn about things and be involved.” – Kevin Muhlenbruch

An example of one of those connections is Aaron Cunningham.

Cunningham graduated from 51ÁÔÆæ in 2008.  “When he was a student here we had a guy, who was combining for us,” explained Muhlenbruch.  “Aaron wanted to take that over someday.”

Five years ago, Muhlenbruch took him up on his offer from ten years earlier and Cunningham has been the 51ÁÔÆæ Farm ever since.

Aaron and his wife Laura own and operate SkyView Farms in Nora Springs.  They also keep 50 cattle on the 51ÁÔÆæ farm that help students build knowledge in beef production.

Excellence in Teaching

When asked about the award Muhlenbruch said, “It’s a very humbling experience.  There are so many good teachers here at 51ÁÔÆæ. “

This is the second time Muhlenbruch has been recognized with this prestigious honor.    

“The thing about this award is that it’s selected by students.  To have students feel that way about you is great.  It makes you feel like you are doing ok with your job.”

His students agree.  He’s doing more than ok. 

One of his students summed it up nicely, “He made me feel at home and is by far the best teacher that I have ever had.”

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.

Are you ready to become a Trojan? Apply Today at /apply-mkt/

The post Creating lasting bonds: 51ÁÔÆæ Ag Instructor shares his love for farming appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The Franklin County Fair runs from July 13-17th and 51ÁÔÆæ has a booth in the Commercial Building in the same spot as years past.

Stop by 51ÁÔÆæ’s booth to sign the alumni board and see what the giveaway of the day is!

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Booth at Franklin County Fair appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Staff, alumni, and their families walked in the Clear Lake 4th of July parade on Monday.

The parade was delayed an hour due to rain, but the sun came out and there was a great turnout.

Candy, pencils, and fans were handed out to the spectators. It was great to hear people in the crowd cheering for 51ÁÔÆæ!

Staff and alumni participating in 4th of July Parade in Clear Lake

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ Represented at Clear Lake 4th of July Parade appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Instructor Gregg Helmich recently talked with J Brooks (98.7 KISS Country) about the strong local need for Building Trades graduates on a What’s New at 51ÁÔÆæ segment. He shared that his students graduate with multiple job offers and well-paying jobs.

Even more important to Helmich is that the class begins to feel like a family, students have each other’s back and work as a team. Besides the expected skills like carpentry, concrete formwork, framing, cabinetry, and millwork, students also learn how to work with people who may be different from themselves, build a crew mentality, and enhance their drive and motivation. In short, they love their work.

The class also has a lot of fun and each year participates in contests, building exercises, and usually a trip to the in Las Vegas.

Did we mention that you can also participate in this program tuition free! That’s right, this program is covered by the Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, but you must submit your and 51ÁÔÆæ application by August 1, 2022, to be eligible.

You can learn more about this exciting program by following their and accounts. Enjoy the show!

Additional Information:

Fundamentals of Construction Short-Term Certificate

Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship

Apply Today!

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LAS VEGAS – The National Association of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) has announced long-time athletics administrator Dan Mason as the association’s 2022 Hall of Fame inductee.

Mason was honored on Monday at the 2022 NATYCAA awards luncheon.

Established in 2004, the NATYCAA Hall of Fame was created to honor those outstanding individuals who have excelled in athletics administration on the local, regional and national levels.

Mason retired as the 51ÁÔÆæ athletic director on June 30, 2021, ending 27 years of service as a coach and administrator at the two-year college level.

Mason’s coaching career, which began in 1983, has spanned both the high school and collegiate ranks.

Although basketball is where he enjoyed the most success, his introduction to two-year athletics was on the diamond, where he was head baseball coach at then-NJCAA member Waldorf College for the 1986, 1987 and 1988 seasons.

Following his initial season in the dugout, he was approached about filling the vacancy for the men’s basketball head coach job and pulled double-duty at Waldorf for the next two seasons before going all in on the hardwood, beginning with the 1988-89 campaign.

In 1993, Mason made the move to Waldorf’s arch-rival, 51ÁÔÆæ, fittingly located in Mason City, Iowa. His first 51ÁÔÆæ team won 20 games but lost in the second round of the Region XI tournament. What followed was the most successful season in the history of the program.

The 1994-95 Trojans won the Region XI tournament to advance to nationals then captured the NJCAA Division II National Championship with a 64-63 win over Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College. 51ÁÔÆæ finished its championship season with a record of 27-6, and Mason was named NJCAA Division II Coach of the Year.

Mason coached the Trojans through the 1996-97 season, accumulating a career record of 69-61. After leaving 51ÁÔÆæ, he coached NCAA DIII Central College for seven seasons (1997-2004).

Mason returned to 51ÁÔÆæ in 2006, this time as the College’s athletics director, where he was responsible for every aspect of the Trojans’ 16 teams: scheduling, purchasing, hiring and evaluation of coaches, compliance, facilities supervision and preparation, concessions scheduling and purchasing, drug testing, student insurance, and student discipline. Through a dedicated commitment to leadership and unparalleled work ethic, Mason developed a culture of success that will carry on long after his retirement and, in the process, accomplished two of his main goals: building a new recreational center and re-establishing the College’s wrestling program.

Mason also served as a committed leader on both the region and national levels. He was NJCAA Region 11 Women’s Director for six years, and during the 2020-21 academic year alone, he held a seat on four NJCAA committees: Division II Volleyball, Division II Women’s Basketball, Division II Women’s Soccer, and Eligibility.

That year, Mason received the NJCAA’s prestigious Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to two-year athletics on a national level for an extended period.

A former collegiate student-athlete, Mason was named to the 1983 NCAA DIII All-America baseball team after posting a 14-1 record for North Park College, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987. 

In 1983, Mason received a B.A. in Physical Education from North Park. He received a M.A. in Physical Education/Athletic Administration from Minnesota State University-Mankato in 1986.

Mason is also noted for his love of community. For more than quarter-century, he has been actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, speaking at numerous camps and clinics. In 2021, he received the Mason City Noon Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self Award,” the highest honor given for public service in the community.

About NATYCAA: Now in its 34th year, NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year college athletics administrators and membership open to all two-year institutions from throughout the country. NATYCAA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 57^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com. 

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years.  

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