Eggs, Issues and Education
Feb. 14—OSKALOOSA — The third Mahaska Chamber and Development Group Eggs and Issues of the year brought an intimate crowd to Smokey Row Feb. 12.
Indian Hills Community College President Matt Thompson and William Penn University President John Ottosson took the floor to answer questions from community members.
"We're here to talk about education," Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt said in introduction. "It is probably one of the most important things that happens in our society, the way that folks are educated in the way that the world is around them and then also figuring out a way that they can make a contribution to that world, hopefully in such away that you can earn a paycheck and make a living as well."
One community member addressed the pair about the current workforce shortage, asking what each institution was doing to bring solutions.
Thompson said that Indian Hills opens opportunities for further education to people who may have otherwise not received one.
"One of our goals is to try to increase the number of people who do go get an education, whether that be for six weeks to become a truck driver, six months to be a phlebotomist or a year or two years or four years," he said. Another benefit of the school is that it can help students get degrees and into the workforce earlier.
Another resident asked Ottosson how William Penn University attracts students to Oskaloosa.
Ottosson credited the university's opportunities for participation for bringing in students. From athletics to music and drama, students with a variety of passions can find creative outlets at the school.
When they see what the area has to offer, many students choose to make the region their home.
"I have kids from southern California, from Hawaii, from everywhere, that they want to stay here once they graduate," Ottosson said.
He said that the university currently has students from 46 states and U.S. territories and over 30 countries.
A recently passed $28 million Indian Hills Bond Referendum was another topic of discussion at the forum.
It will fund a new campus in Centerville, and major improvements to the campus in Ottumwa.
The next Eggs and Issues will take place at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Smokey Row. Panel speakers will include Senator Ken Rozenboom, Representative Dustin Hite and Representative Holly Brink.
Shannon Rabotski can be reached at srabotski@oskyherald.com.
