Sue Stearns named to SWCC Board of Trustees

Cheyenne Roche, The Creston News Advertiser, Iowa
·2 min read

Jul. 17—Tuesday, Sue Stearns of Woodburn was appointed as Southwestern Community College's District Three board member, filling the vacancy left after Jerry Smith retired in June.

Stearns, originally from Albia, worked in the Creston area as a juvenile court officer covering eight counties for 34 years before transitioning to work for SWCC.

"Back in 2011, I approached the Osceola center about the possibility of teaching some criminal justice courses," she said. "Since then, it's developed then into a full-time program."

For two years, Stearns served as an adjunct professor, teaching introduction to criminal justice and juvenile delinquency. From there, she transitioned to be Osceola's center coordinator.

As she represents District Three, an important project to her is expanding the Osceola center. "I think that one of the things that has been looked at is the technical center they are looking at putting up in Osceola," Stearns said. "That's an exciting process. I want to see that through and make sure it's feasible for the college and Osceola and for the surrounding areas."

She also wants to help the community see the college's many offerings. "There are so many things SWCC offers I don't think people realize," Stearns said. "From traditional academics to adult continuing education, there's a lot that should be emphasized so the area becomes familiarized."

Stearns is no stranger to community colleges. After high school, she attended Ottumwa Heights College where she earned her associate's degree. In 1976, she graduated with a bachelor's from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirkland, now called Truman State University.

She graduated with her bachelor's on a Saturday and began working in Creston on the following Monday.

After retiring as a juvenile court officer, she earned her masters in criminal justice from Simpson, graduating in 2011.

Stearns will serve in the District Three role until the next regular election. Taking over for Smith, she said she has big shoes to fill.

"Enough good can't be said about Jerry," Stearns said. "Twenty-six years on the board — representing the college at the state level. He accomplished so much. I hope I can represent as well as he did."