The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Board of Directors has named Dr. Liang Chee Wee as the institution's interim president. His leadership term is set to begin on January 1, 2026, following the retirement of current president Rob Denson.
Dr. Wee will guide the college for a six-month period, concluding on June 30, 2026. This appointment provides stable leadership while the board conducts a comprehensive national search for a permanent successor to lead one of Iowa's largest community colleges.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Liang Chee Wee will serve as interim president of DMACC from January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- The appointment follows the retirement of long-serving president Rob Denson.
- Dr. Wee brings extensive experience from his previous roles as president of Northeast Iowa Community College and interim chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
- The DMACC Board of Directors plans to name a permanent president to begin in July 2026.
A Seasoned Leader for a Period of Transition
Dr. Wee is a well-known figure in Iowa's higher education community. His career includes more than a decade of executive leadership, making him a strategic choice to manage DMACC during this important transitional phase. His most notable tenure was as the president of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), a position he held from 2011 to 2022.
During his 11 years at NICC, he was recognized for his focus on student success and workforce development initiatives that connected the college directly with regional economic needs. This experience is particularly relevant to DMACC's mission of serving a diverse student body and a wide range of industries across central Iowa.
More recently, Dr. Wee completed a nearly two-year term as the interim chancellor for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). This role further solidified his reputation as a capable transitional leader, skilled in navigating the complexities of institutional change and maintaining operational momentum.
Navigating a Leadership Change
The appointment of an interim president is a standard practice in higher education. It allows an institution to continue functioning smoothly after a long-term leader departs while providing the governing board ample time to conduct a thorough and thoughtful search for the next permanent president. Dr. Wee's role will be to ensure stability and continuity for students, faculty, and staff.
Board Expresses Confidence in Appointment
The DMACC Board of Directors expressed strong confidence in their selection. Kevin Halterman, president of the board, highlighted Dr. Wee's qualifications and deep understanding of the state's educational system.
"We are exceptionally fortunate to have a leader of Dr. Wee's caliber and experience guide DMACC during this interim period," Halterman stated. "His proven track record in community college leadership, his deep understanding of Iowa's educational landscape, and his commitment to student success make him ideally suited for this role."
Halterman emphasized that the college will be in capable hands as the search for a permanent leader proceeds. "DMACC will be in excellent hands as we conduct a thorough search for our next permanent president," he added.
Dr. Wee's Leadership Experience
- President, Northeast Iowa Community College: 2011 - 2022 (11 years)
- Interim Chancellor, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges: approx. 2023 - 2025 (nearly 2 years)
The Path Forward for DMACC
The search for a permanent president is a significant undertaking for any college, especially one the size and scope of DMACC. The institution serves thousands of students across multiple campuses and learning centers, playing a vital role in the region's workforce and economic development.
The Board of Directors plans to formally continue its search process in early 2026. The goal is to identify and appoint a permanent president who will take office in July 2026, ensuring a seamless handover from Dr. Wee's interim leadership.
What This Means for Students and Staff
For the DMACC community, this appointment signals stability. Dr. Wee's role will be to maintain the college's strategic direction and oversee daily operations without initiating major long-term changes. This allows faculty and staff to continue their work with minimal disruption. Students can expect academic programs and support services to proceed as planned throughout the spring 2026 semester.
The transition marks the end of an era with the retirement of Rob Denson, who has led DMACC for many years. His departure creates an opportunity for the college to reassess its future goals and find a new leader to guide it through the evolving landscape of higher education.