By Kate Klimesh,
Northeast Iowa Community College President Herbert H.J. Riedel has been placed on paid administrative leave from his position, effective immediately and until further notice, following a special NICC Board of Trustees meeting Monday, Oct. 9. Per the agenda, the meeting resulted in three closed sessions concerning personnel matters that included the college’s Human Resource Executive Director and an unidentified employee complaint involving the president.
Representatives from the college did not specify a reason for placing Riedel on administrative leave but stated that the college would maintain its normal operations during his leave.
“We understand the importance of stability and leadership during this time and will provide more information in the coming days. We want to assure our students, partners and the community that NICC is dedicated to providing high-quality education, superior workforce training and a supportive learning environment,” stated David Dahms, NICC vice president for finance and administration.
The response from Tara Cooley, NICC Public Relations and Social Media Manager, noted the college “has no further comment at this time.”
In a Statement to Media received Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 11, President Herbert H. J. Riedel, Ph.D. stated, “In my short time at NICC, we have reversed a 7-year declining trend in enrollment, increased workforce training sales by 11%, nearly doubled occupancy in the new student housing in Peosta, initiated the expansion of athletics at the College, reorganized the administrative structure to better achieve the College’s strategic goals, and hired exceptional professionals for the College’s leadership team. The Board’s decision to place me on paid administrative leave comes less than one month before an election that could change the Board’s composition. While I cannot comment on the reasons behind the Board’s decision at this time, I have done nothing unlawful, unethical, immoral, or illegal and remain ready, willing, and able to serve the College.”
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