Amid changes in leadership and challenges of a turbulent economy,
Des Moines University is squarely positioned for continued success.
We experienced growth in our total enrollment, growth in our faculty numbers, growth in our research activities and growth in the recognition received by Des Moines University both locally and nationally.
Our student scholarship endeavors grew, too. We’ve emphasized scholarships in our fundraising efforts because they enable us to continue to attract the best and the brightest students and help mitigate the impact of ever-increasing student debt. Our annual Luther and Willie Glanton Scholarship Dinner, for example, raised just over $230,000 this year. That allowed us to increase the Glanton Scholarship Fund and award $160,000 in new scholarships in the upcoming academic year.
This has also been a year of change at Des Moines University. Following an extensive assessment of our academic administration, we created the positions of provost to serve as the University’s chief academic officer, and chief information officer to be responsible for the oversight of all information technology functions. Karen McLean, Ph.D., M.S., our new provost, and Wayne Bowker, CIO, have already made a positive impact in a number of areas that will further strengthen the University.
Perhaps the most significant change at the University this year was the
departure of Gov. Terry
Branstad, who, after serving as DMU president for just over six years,
decided to seek the office of governor of Iowa. We are extremely
grateful for all Gov. Branstad has done for the University during his
tenure and wish him the best. I am honored the DMU Board of
Trustees has again asked me to serve as interim president,
a role I served in prior to Gov. Branstad’s appointment.
The University has made great strides over the past
10 years, and I assure you that I will provide the leadership
necessary to maintain our momentum as we strive to
continually improve our academic programs, our research
activities and our service to the community.
Des Moines University is a great place to learn and work.
Through the efforts of our faculty, staff and students,
we are indeed doing a world of good.
Stephen Dengle
Stephen Dengle, executive vice president and chief operating officer, was appointed interim president by the DMU Board of Trustees in October. He joined the University in 1979 as personnel director and has since served as executive assistant to the president, executive director of administrative services, vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer.
In his role as executive vice president and COO, he oversees all financial, administrative, planning, marketing and communications, enrollment management, human resources, student services functions and operations of DMU Clinic. He’s also been a member of the DMU team on RAGBRAI, the Des Moines Register’s annual bicycle ride across the state.
Dengle’s professional and community activities include serving on the boards of the American Osteopathic Foundation (currently treasurer), Iowa Chronic Care Consortium and Free Clinics of Iowa. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration at the University of Iowa.
