Change in Leadership
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has announced a change in leadership. The Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Naomi DeWinter, Muscatine Community College President and Vice Chancellor for Student Development, as temporary acting chancellor effective August 1, 2023. The decision followed a special board meeting where the Board accepted the resignation of Chancellor Sonya J. Williams, who has the made the decision to leave her position for personal reasons.
Naomi DeWinter, EdD is an accomplished leader who currently serves as Eastern Iowa
Community Colleges’ (EICC) Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Muscatine Community
College’s President. Her passion for student success and commitment to excellence
has been evident throughout her career.
As the Vice Chancellor for Student Development at EICC, Dr. DeWinter has been a driving force in enhancing student support services across the district. Under her leadership, the Student Development Council was revitalized, and workgroups were initiated to redesign advising and first-year experience programs. Her response during the Covid-19 pandemic exemplified her commitment to health and safety while ensuring continuous service to students.
Her tenure as President of Muscatine Community College has been marked by transformative projects and strategic initiatives. She successfully led a $1.9 million library renovation project and played a key role in the planning of a new $10 million Career and Technical Education facility, scheduled to open in 2023. Her collaboration with Muscatine Community Schools to increase opportunities for Career Academies and concurrent enrollment have made an impact on student engagement and success. In addition, she has secured an impressive track record in grant work, successfully obtaining several state grants and multiple grants from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust amounting to over $1 million.
Before joining EICC in 2015, Dr. DeWinter worked as the Vice President of Student Affairs at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, MI, where she oversaw various student support services. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Enrollment Management at the same institution, playing a crucial role in managing student enrollment and outreach initiatives. Previously, Dr. DeWinter worked at Oakland Community College in Waterford, MI, as Interim Director of Enrollment Management and Community Outreach. She began her career there as an Admissions Recruiter.
DeWinter completed her master’s degree in College Student Personnel at Eastern Michigan University and her doctorate degree in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University. She currently serves as board member for numerous community and state organizations, including Iowa Energy Center Board, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, Muscatine Center for Social Action, LULAC Council 371, Rotary International, and Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, just to name a few.
Selecting an Interim Chancellor
The EICC Board is fully engaged in the selection and appointment of an interim chancellor. They are diligently evaluating and assessing potential candidates to ensure a well-considered decision. As the Board is regularly in contact with administration, faculty, and staff, they will gather input in a more informal way for the interim placement and a selection will be announced in late September.
Interim Chancellor Timeline
September 8: Deadline for Interim Chancellor Candidate Submission
Candidates interested in serving in the role as Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Interim Chancellor should submit their materials to the Board Secretary, Nichole Friedrichsen ndfriedrichsen@eicc.edu
- Mid-September: Board Sub-Committee reviews submission for Interim Chancellor and makes recommendation to the Board of Trustees
- September 18: Board considers recommendation of the subcommittee and votes on potential appointment of interim chancellor.
- Fall 2023 – June 30, 2025: The recommendation is currently for the Interim Chancellor to serve until June 2025 or until the conclusion of the search process.
Permanent Chancellor Search
Following the appointment of an interim, the Board will review processes, gather input from stakeholders, and seek out best practices to conduct a thorough and comprehensive search for the next permanent chancellor. EICC’s priority is to ensure a smooth and efficient transition while maintaining the college's commitment to academic excellence and student welfare. As details of the chancellor search are finalized, additional information on the process and timing of that important effort will be available.
Committed to Student Success
Changing lives and building communities is the heart of our mission, and our commitment to students remains steadfast. As THE Community’s College, we will continue to serve our region by delivering high-quality education and training that prepares a skilled workforce and provides equitable access to higher education.