A finalist for the vacant presidential position at Western Iowa Tech Community College said he applied for the position because he believes in the college's mission and purpose adding the community is home.
“It’s critical that the college remain responsive and vital in regard to its portfolio relative to its communities,” said Terry Gaalswyk, who currently serves as President at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota.
In one of multiple sessions on Thursday with college employees, students, and others, Gaalswyk said, culture overrides strategy every time and that it pivots how leadership works.
“We are strongest when we listen to each other, we are strongest when we develop relationships, we are strongest when we communicate clearly, we are strongest when there’s transparency in how we arrive at decisions,” Gaalswyk said.
A faculty member mentioned there had been speculation that Gaalswyk is automatically going to be selected because of being a previous employee.
Gaalswyk addressed the issue, saying he is not the same person that he was when he left the institution. He said it’s about whether what he currently has fills the institution’s needs.
When answering a question about balancing growth and limited resources, Gaalswyk said the college must consider where it's going to put its time and energy and where it’s going to make the most impact as resources for two-year institutions will continue to shrink.
Throughout the forum he continuously brought up the importance of student engagement, community support, and communication.
Finalist Terry Lindsay will be interviewed on Friday. Michelle Allmendinger had her interview on Wednesday. The three finalists were pinpointed after a committee worked through 30 applicants.
The process of selecting a new college president began in December, after the retirement of Terry Murrell was announced as this academic year began.
The interview schedule includes times for various groups to meet the candidates, plus two open forums for anyone who wants to participate.
More information can be found at Presidential Search - Western Iowa Tech Community College.
