Welcome, new STEM Council members

New STEM Council Members
Five new members joined the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

Under the leadership of STEM Council Co-Chairs Governor Kim Reynolds and Kemin Industries President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson, the 47-member STEM Council represents key stakeholders from across the STEM interest spectrum, including education to industry and nonprofits to policy. This month, the STEM Council strengthened its diversity of perspectives thanks to the Governor’s appointment of five outstanding new members.

President Barbara Crittenden, Southwestern Community College

“We need to stimulate an interest in STEM career fields in people of all ages, but particularly in our youth. It is exciting to have the opportunity to be a part of these efforts in the state. One of the most rewarding parts of this work has been seeing the excitement that develops when young people are given a chance to work with hands-on projects in STEM fields. Seeing that spark of interest begin to develop is rewarding.”

Scott Montgomery, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, ACT, Inc.

“As the father of at least two future ‘STEM-ers,’ I have a vested interest in ensuring we’re preparing students for jobs of the future. I’d also like to make sure that all students in Iowa have those same opportunities through programs and initiatives sponsored by the STEM Council. I’m looking forward to meeting people from across Iowa who are interested in advancing STEM initiatives so that all individuals in our state have opportunities in the STEM field.”

President Mark Nook, University of Northern Iowa

“Iowa has a strong educational system at all levels and a commitment to our young people as our future. Their education is important to us because we know they are the future of our state. I am excited by the opportunity to work with people committed to helping the next generation understand STEM and the impact these fields have on people’s lives and our future as a state and country.”

Major General Timothy Orr, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard

“Every day, our Soldiers and Airmen work with the most advanced, cutting-edge technology to accomplish our mission. The Iowa National Guard can provide a unique opportunity for teachers and students to understand what the National Guard provides in STEM and how we apply those classroom standards in the conduct of our daily duties.”

Kelsey Tyrrell, Director of Global Education Programs, The World Food Prize Foundation

“Working in STEM has taught me that you don't have to be a whiz in science or get a perfect score on your math test to enjoy working in these fields. It's about connecting students to their passions and using that interest to benefit businesses who are eager to fill STEM-related positions. I look forward to working with the STEM Council to make STEM programming more accessible to schools and communities that would not otherwise be able to afford high-quality programming without the support of this incredible organization.”

And, special thanks to our parting STEM Council members for their commitment to Iowa STEM over the years—Catherin Swoboda, Steve Triplett and Jim Wohlpart.

For a current list of STEM Council members, please visit www.IowaSTEM.gov/Council.

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