Lifelong Service to Education: Jim Lindenmayer

Jim Lindenmayer says changes are coming to higher education. Changes in funding models, changes in demographics, changes in delivery methods; all are coming or already here. Nobody can predict with certainty what further changes lie on the horizon, only that they will happen.

Lindenmayer, the former 12-year president of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, was appointed to the Board of Regents in July. Moving from the community college system to the Regents Enterprise brings new challenges and opportunities, but change remains constant.

“Education will be strongly influenced in the next five years by technology, financing, delivery and access,” Lindenmayer said. “All four of the arenas are very fluid and demand that the institutions and government work hand in hand to provide the best resources possible.”

Lindenmayer’s dedication to higher education is obvious. He has spent the majority of his life working with students, faculty and staff. For the last 15 years, Lindenmayer has been involved in workforce training with Job Corps, the nation’s largest residential training program for youth ages 16-to-24. The jobs of tomorrow will require more education and training than ever before, and as chair of the National Job Corps Association, Lindenmayer brings considerable experience to the Regents enterprise.

“My Job Corps experience has involved me with colleges in other states, as well as Iowa,” He said. “The National Job Corps Association keeps me abreast of national workforce training trends and funding through the Department of Labor. This experience has only heightened my interest in higher education and its service to students.”

Regent Lindenmayer, who earned a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, said he was “honored” when Governor Reynolds appointed him to the Board. 

“Our universities provide great opportunities through education and research,” He said. “They also are economic engines that are imperative to moving Iowa forward. I want to be part of that.”

Lindenmayer is a dedicated educator that has spent his life in service of students and faculty. His appointment to the Board of Regents is the latest stop in a lifelong story of service. Service to education, to research, and to academic excellence has been a large part of Lindenmayer’s life.

That’s something that won’t change.