Weigel (left) and Fink
Two Kirkwood Community College instructors were named to state boards and commissions earlier this month. Jody Weigel, a Human Services faculty member, was named to the Iowa Board of Social Work. Kelly Montijo Fink, an adjunct Spanish instructor, is serving on the Commission of Native American Affairs.
Jody Weigel
Weigel is a full-time faculty member in the college’s Social Sciences & Career Options department. He is the Human Services coordinator and program advisor. In his more than 10 years at the college, he’s seen an increase in the number of students studying Human Services and helped develop the college’s educational track for certified alcohol and drug counselors.
The Iowa Board of Social Work evaluates the qualifications of applicants for licensure and grants licenses to those who qualify. The board establishes rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensed social workers and investigates complaints for unprofessional conduct. The board is the link between the consumer and the licensed social worker and promotes the public health, welfare and safety.
“I am hoping to maintain the professionalism of the field by continuing to enforce the rules and regulations set forth by the state of Iowa,” said Weigel. “I will serve as a resource to individuals currently licensed to practice social work and to those who are looking to join the field of social work, especially in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. I hope to continue to be an advocate for the safety and well-being of all citizens in the state.”
“Jody is a recognized professional in Human Services and brings to the board both an expertise in service to individuals and an educational focus on meeting the every changing needs of the profession,” said Kirkwood Vice President of Academic Affairs Bill Lamb. “His contributions will be diverse and well suited to enhancing the role of the commission throughout Iowa.”
Kelly Montijo Fink
Fink is an adjunct Spanish instructor who started teaching at the college in 1996. She started at the Iowa City Campus and now teaches at the Main Campus in Cedar Rapids.
The Commission of Native American Affairs works in concert with tribal governments, Native American groups, and Native American persons in this state to advance the interests of tribal governments and Native American persons in the areas of human rights, access to justice, economic equality and the elimination of discrimination.
“I would like to inspire and encourage the people that I meet in the various Native communities across the state of Iowa,” said Fink, who is of Apache heritage. “I would like to help provide creative solutions for issues that arise during my time on the board. A friend of mine says, ‘team work makes the dream work,’ and I believe that. I am looking forward to co-laboring with the other board members from across the state to improve the lives and opportunities of our Native people.”
“Kelly is another great example of a Kirkwood instructor going above and beyond,” said Lamb. “I appreciate her willingness to contribute outside of teaching Spanish courses, and doing very meaningful work for the state.”
Fink’s term began March 1 and runs for two years. Weigel will be confirmed by the Senate on May 1 and will serve a three-year term.