News

Dr. Robin Shaffer Lilienthal, Provost of Marshalltown Community College (MCC), has announced her plans to pursue other professional opportunities. In an action approved by the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors during the December 13 meeting, Dr. Lilienthal was approved under the District’s early retirement program.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside our fabulous students, faculty, and staff at MCC and Iowa Valley Grinnell while striving to grow and enhance our college for the greater IVCCD service area and local communities,” said Lilienthal. “New programs, improved facilities, and a culture of student success ensure that the future is bright for MCC/IVG.  While new challenges await me professionally, my heart is always with ‘the Valley’ so I’m excited to see where the college goes next.”

Dr. Lilienthal played a key leadership role with the District and MCC for the past 23 years. Before joining Iowa Valley, Dr. Lilienthal held a variety of student affairs positions including advising and admissions at Des Moines Area Community College; student life and residence life at St. Ambrose University; and student life, admissions, and orientation at Iowa State University. She earned a B.A. in Journalism-Advertising, an M.S. in Higher Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University.

Dr. Lilienthal has focused her leadership on developing new academic and student engagement/athletic programs to drive enrollment and address workforce needs. She worked hard to create efficiencies to improve the student experience through one-stop student services: meeting the diverse needs of students and their families; improving campus academic and housing facilities to enhance learning success; improving the employee experience through communication feedback loops, streamlining processes, and expanding professional development; and leading student outcomes assessment improvements. She is also a trained peer reviewer with the Higher Learning Commission providing feedback and recommending reaccreditation decisions for member colleges and universities to the governing body.

“I wish to thank Dr. Lilienthal for her 23 years of dedicated service to Iowa Valley,” said Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens, IVCCD President. “The District, and MCC specifically, are better because of her contributions. She will be sorely missed by her friends and colleagues.”

Lilienthal will remain in the Provost position through June 30. A search for her replacement is underway.