Dean of Students Jon Buse
Jon Buse will join Kirkwood after 24 years at UNI
An eastern Iowan with more than 20 years of experience in higher education is set to join Kirkwood Community College’s administrative team. Jon Buse, will take over as the new dean of students, replacing the retiring Bob Burnes. Buse is currently the dean of students at the University of Northern Iowa.
Buse started working at UNI in 1987, while attending college there as an undergraduate. Upon graduation in 1991, he was hired full-time, earned his Master’s degree in 1997, and become the dean of students four years ago.
“It’s tough to leave the place I’ve spent the last 24 years of my life,” said Buse, a Marion, Ia, resident for the last 10 years. “I’m looking forward to a new challenge at such a great institution, and it will be nice not having to commute so far, especially in these Iowa winters.”
Buse said he came away impressed with Kirkwood after his interview on campus. “I’ve come to know many Kirkwood employees over the years, through the great partnerships that Kirkwood and UNI have. They’ve always said great things about working at Kirkwood. Now I see first-hand how great the facilities are, how nice the people on campus are, and what a great staff I’ll be joining in the Student Development office.”
“We’ve been spoiled to have such a student-focused dean of students for so many years in Bob Burnes,” said Vice President of Enrollment Kristie Fisher. “With Jon’s years of experience, we won’t miss a beat in keeping our students’ needs in focus.”
Some of Buse’s top priorities align with Kirkwood’s Learner Success Agenda, which has goals to increase student success rates.
“We need to continue to make sure students come to us, get the help they need, and leave with a degree or certificate in hand” added Buse. “I want to work with the staff in Student Development and others around the college to become more systematic and intentional in that plan to improve learner success. I feel great about continuing to promote the college’s goals.”
Buse is looking forward to taking a look at the student conduct policy. “Policies are best when they are developed by a community. They reflect values. I’m excited to have discussions about what our values are and what we expect from students. How does the code of conduct affect those values?”
That’s one of the things Fisher is excited about as well. “We know student body changes a lot and so do the needs of the students. Jon will be able to take a look at these changing needs, and help not only the Student Development office adapt to fill the needs of students, but the college as a whole. At Kirkwood, we’re always looking to improve and meet needs of students. Jon will continue that.”
Buse will start in his new role at Kirkwood Community College on December 15, 2011. He lives in Marion with his wife and two kids.