DMACC has also hired a new Executive Director of Human Resources
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Abby Zegers (above, left) is the new Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC Urban Campus in Des Moines.
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Kristin Brookover (above, center) is the new Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC West Campus in West Des Moines.
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Amanda Easton (above, right) is the new Executive Director of Human Resources at DMACC.
DMACC has announced the hiring of administrators to positions at Des Moines metropolitan campuses.
Abby Zegers has accepted the position of Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC Urban Campus in Des Moines, while Kristin Brookover has accepted the position of Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC West Campus in West Des Moines.
Additionally, Amanda Easton has accepted the position of Executive Director of Human Resources and will be overseeing HR responsibilities across all DMACC Campuses and Centers.
Abby Zegers, Executive Campus Dean, DMACC Urban Campus
Abby Zegers (above) most recently served as Executive Director of Higher Education in Prison and Adult Education Literacy at DMACC. She also previously served as an Education Coordinator/Life Skills Instructor at DMACC and with the Iowa Department of Corrections. She has also been a longtime DMACC Adjunct Instructor.
"Navigating the dynamic environment of prison education gave me some great experience in learning how to successfully manage operations and leverage our experience here at DMACC to provide the best possible experience for students," Zegers said. “This has prepped me to continue that work on a broader scale, working with the community and entire DMACC Urban Campus on collaboration and oversight of operations and relationship building."
Zegers earned a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Psychology from Iowa State University and a master's degree in Human Services from Capella University. She has spent years in the counseling profession, including being licensed in substance abuse counseling since 2008. Prior to being hired as a faculty member at DMACC, Zegers was a counselor at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women and owned her own counseling agency in Clive.
“I love DMACC and this campus and look forward to immersing myself in all things Urban and this community," Zegers said.
She has a 17-year-old son who will be attending DMACC in the fall of 2025.
Kristin Brookover, Executive Campus Dean, DMACC West Campus
Kristin Brookover (above) has been at DMACC since 2020, most recently serving as the Interim Executive Campus Dean at the College's Newton Campus. Prior to that, she was Coordinator for Student Engagement and Retention at DMACC. She has also served as an Academic Advisor.
“My time at the DMACC Newton Campus was an exciting opportunity to work with community organizations, area high schools and DMACC leadership as we explored opportunities for DMACC to continue to help meet local education needs," Brookover said. “I plan to continue engaging in this work in the west metro area, seeking to create new connections and identify ways to strengthen and expand DMACC's capacity to serve individuals, families and industry partners in the area."
Brookover has also been an adjunct instructor at Purdue Global University, an Academic Advisor III at Iowa State University, an Academic Success Center Coordinator at Kaplan University in Omaha and a Lead Student Services Advisor at Kaplan University in Des Moines, as well as a Family Based Services Counselor II at Youth and Shelter Services (YSS) in Ames.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child, Adult & Family Services & Sociology from Iowa State University, a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from ISU and a Ph.D. in Education from ISU. She also has a master's degree in Higher Education from Purdue Global University.
Brookover and her husband, Joe, have a six-year-old daughter, Vivian.
Zegers and Brookover will both report directly to DMACC Vice President of Operations Bill LaTour.
“Both Abby and Kristin have a strong vision for student success and continued growth at their campuses," LaTour said. “It was clear during the interview process that both have a clear understanding of what it will take to produce quality results, grow enrollment, enhance campus culture, and contribute to the overall success at both the Urban and West Campuses. We're excited to have them on board."
Amanda Easton, Executive Director of Human Resources at DMACC
In another recent DMACC hiring decision, Amanda Easton (above) has accepted the position of Executive Director of Human Resources at DMACC and began her new role on May 1. She has been with DMACC as Director of Employee Relations, Performance Management and Special Projects since November of 2022. In that time, she has played a vital role in many important initiatives, including chairing the College's In-Service Day Committee, chairing the DEI Task Force, co-chairing the College's compensation study and serving as interim Executive Director of Human Resources.
“My time with DMACC, EMC Insurance and the Des Moines Public Schools have equipped me with a deep understanding of how to effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a large, multi-location setting and managing HR functions across diverse and geographically dispersed teams," Easton said. "My 20-plus years as a workplace investigator have helped me to hone my greatest strength: listening."
Easton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, both from Iowa State University. In addition, she has earned an Executive Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Georgetown University.
Easton has a daughter who attends DMACC and is working toward her degree in Court Reporting.
Other recent DMACC hiring decisions include:
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Amee Austin has accepted the position of Director of Training and Organizational Development at DMACC.
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Autumn Cartagena has accepted the position of Director of Assessment at DMACC.
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Bill Peters has accepted the position of Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC Newton Campus.
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Jen Wollesen has accepted the position of Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC Carroll Campus.
Contact: Bill LaTour, DMACC Vice President of Operations, (515) 964-6678, walatour@dmacc.edu