Valerie Brayton
Editor

War and military recruiting go hand-in-hand and with the war in Iraq the latter is needed now more than ever.

College campuses are hot spots for recruiters to find people who are ready and willing to fight for their country because recruiters offer students another option.

Dr. Karen Pierson, vice president of Student Services, said the college is "A political" and therefore has no official stand. She said that the college wants students to have access to knowing what other opportunities are available.

"We want students to be able to know what recruiters have to offer in terms of education and career opportunities," Pierson said.

Sgt. David Brooks said he comes to NIACC once a week to recruit.

"We try to be informative about the programs that are available," Brooks said.

NIACC student Matt Longstreth said that recruiting on campus is good because the options are a good way for kids to make money and learn a lot while getting good skills and serving the country.

Another NIACC student, Kalyn Koster, agreed with Longstreth that recruiting offers a decent opportunity for the army and the kids on campus.

"It gives students an opportunity to explore options and advance their lives," Koster said. Along with offering students opportunities, NIACC has a no solicitation policy.

According to Pierson, this means that while recruiters are not allowed to approach students, they can request to have a table that would serve the same purpose as a transfer school offering their services.

Pierson said there are also ethical standards that recruiters have to abide by.

For instance, recruiters are required to stay at their tables and students have to approach the table to inquire about what is being offered.

"We do set up tables for students, but it is more effective to talk to them one-on-one," Brooks said.

Pierson said NIACC would solve any problems where a breach of policy was concerned if it was reported.

With no official stand on their feelings concerning recruiting, Pierson said that recruiters are formally included in what NIACC does.

"We include them in the college and career fair," Pierson said. "They know their boundaries and they take part in certain activities around campus, like the rock climbing wall at PondFest."

With certain goals to meet every year, recruiters are looking to fill an even larger quota for Iraq and two NIACC students feel recruiters are doing a fine job.

Longstreth said nothing should be changed about the way recruiters do their job on campus and that they are friendly.

Koster said that recruiters tend to nag and say things that aren't true because they are trying to be persuasive, but overall, they do a decent job.

Kevin Kolbet, NIACC Board of Directors president, stepped down from the Board during its monthly meeting in September. Kolbet has served on the NIACC Board of Directors for nearly 20 years.

"My years on the governing board of NIACC have been very enjoyable, educational and enlightening," Kolbet said. "The women and men with whom I've served have been quality individuals from all walks of life representing a true cross-section of North Iowa. All have served with the best intention for the good of the college, its students, its partners and all constituents of this region. In particular, I have very high respect for Joyce Hanes and Jim Benjegerdes, the Board presidents who preceded me. Both were firmly devoted to NIACC and continue to be strong supporters. I tried to be a good student of theirs and to provide the Board with steady, thoughtful leadership."

A member of the NIACC Board of Directors since 1986, Kolbet's involvement in education has proven vital to the continued development of educational opportunities in North Iowa. Kolbet has seen NIACC grow by leaps and bounds during his time serving on the Board. One area in which the College has grown under his leadership is that of academic integrity, which was shown in recent reaccreditations, nationally, statewide, wholly and in specific programs.

"In my tenure on the Board, NIACC has blossomed into a very beautiful campus, not only in Mason City, but at each of its outreach locations," Kolbet said. "North Iowa takes pride in its facilities and the Board has been a good steward with resources entrusted to it to provide quality facilities in which quality faculty deliver quality programs. We have led the region in sweeping technological changes and have found ways to assist all citizens to participate." Dr. Michael Morrison, NIACC president, has felt that Kolbet's leadership and commitment to the College have played a key role in sustaining NIACC during its proud past and today's pivotal times and has charted a strong course for the future.

"Kevin exhibits the very best in what we desire in Board leaders Ð great judgment and wisdom," Morrison said. "His leadership and commitment to the College and the region have been extraordinary. His steady hand and counsel have guided the College to higher levels of performance and progressiveness. We will miss his direct leadership but his values and expectations for the College live in our culture. For that legacy we are extremely grateful." Although no longer on the College's Board, Kolbet has predicted a bright future for NIACC and the College's role in the North Iowa area.

"NIACC is vital to North Iowa's future economic development," Kolbet said. "Life-long education, training and re-training are what all of us depend on. The College knows its mission - 'to enhance the quality of life for people of North Iowa through comprehensive educational opportunities, progressive partnerships, exemplary service and responsive leadership.' I trust that it will continue to do so."