Interim Chancellor
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is pleased to announce Liang Chee Wee, PhD., as the newly appointed Interim Chancellor. Wee brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in leadership to the EICC, having held significant positions at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), including President from 2011 to 2022 and Provost from 2007 to 2011.
The selection process for the Interim Chancellor position has been in progress since early August, initiated in response to the resignation of former Chancellor Sonya Williams. Over this period, the EICC Board of Trustees actively engaged in a thorough review of applicants' resumes and conducted interviews with top candidates. Today, the Board convened a special meeting to announce the appointment of Wee as Interim Chancellor.
“With an extensive background in community college leadership and steadfast commitment to excellence, Dr. Wee is ready to lead EICC,” said EICC Board of Trustees President Bob Gallagher.
Liang Chee Wee, PhD
Liang Chee Wee, PhD., is a seasoned figure in higher education who comes to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges with 35 years of experience changing lives and building communities. Wee most recently served as President of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). The college serves eight counties and operates campuses in Calamar and Peosta, and service centers across the district.
Wee retired in 2022 after serving in the top leadership role for 11 years, during which the college celebrated a successful $10 million capital campaign and the passage of a $39 million bond referendum. Prior to that appointment, Wee served four years as Provost of NICC’s Calamar campus.
During his tenure, Wee focused on establishing partnerships dedicated to expanding educational access for learners of all backgrounds, promoting economic growth for businesses, and boosting community vitality in northeastern Iowa.
Wee arrived in the U.S. on July 4, 1983, after serving in the Singapore Armed Forces. He grew up in a rural village in Singapore. “My mom never went to school because her family was poor. My father completed the equivalent of high school and had to work to support the family. But both ensured that their two sons would receive more education than they did,” he said.
“We were first-generation students and I identify with those students served by community colleges. Everyone deserves an opportunity. Everyone has abilities. We do life together.”
Wee attended the University of Arizona, earning a PhD and an MBA in Business Administration from the Karl Eller Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems. He moved to Iowa in 1992 to work at Luther College. In his 15 years with the college, he held many successive roles including Professor, Department Chair, Registrar, and Associate Dean.
Wee’s commitment to higher education, students, and the greater community is widely recognized. He currently serves on the board for MercyOne, Freedom Bank, and is Resident President for the Iowa Community College Leadership Institute, hosted by the Community College Leadership Consortium, Iowa State University. He has authored and published 23 peer reviewed papers; frequently serves as a keynote speaker, presenter, panelist, and facilitator at various events; and has been recognized with many professional awards and honors for his leadership.
Wee’s leadership style is one of curiosity, generosity, humility, collaboration, and gratitude. “I look forward to collaborating with our EICC colleagues and friends to continue to improve lives, support our business and K-12 partners, and contribute to the vitality of our communities,” he said.
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.