By MATT PIKE
As Lenny Klaver announced his retirement from North Central Missouri College, becoming the new University President at Missouri Western State University, NCMC has begun its search for its next president.
To help in ensuring a smooth transition, the NCMC Board of Trustees has appointed Jamie Hooyman as Interim President, effective September 1st with Klaver's retirement becoming effective on August 31st, while the national search process is conducted. In a news release, Board President Diane Lowrey expressed confidence in the college's future and the leadership transition.
"Throughout our history, NCMC has been fortunate to have leaders who were the right people at the right time to build upon our strong foundation," Lowrey says. "Today, our college is in a position of strength, and we are confident that our next president will continue our tradition of excellence. We know we will attract outstanding candidates who are eager to become part of our exceptional college community."
The Board also expressed gratitude for Klaver's service and the progress achieved during his tenure.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Lenny Klaver for his years of dedicated leadership and service to North Central Missouri College," Lowrey said. "During his time as president, NCMC experienced meaningful growth and development that strengthened our mission and expanded opportunities for students. We thank Dr. Klaver for his many contributions and wish him the very best in retirement and his future endeavors."
Jamie Hooyman brings decades of higher education and leadership experience to the interim role, including a deep connection to North Central Missouri College. Most recently, Hooyman retired from Northwest Missouri State University, where she served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. Appointed in 2017, she became the first woman in the university's history to serve as chief academic officer, overseeing academic quality, student success, and institutional planning.
She also served for many years as a mentor with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' Academy for New Provosts. Prior to her leadership at Northwest, Hooyman spent more than a decade at NCMC, serving in several key leadership positions, including Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness. In that role, she provided oversight for instruction, student services, grants, dual credit and outreach programs, business and industry partnerships, and information technology initiatives. Her professional experience additionally includes serving as a faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma, as well as leadership roles with Metropolitan Community College and Jackson County.
"I am thrilled to serve as Interim President because I believe so strongly in what NCMC does every day to help individuals achieve their dreams," Hooyman says. "This institution has been an important part of my family's history, and I never hesitate to give back when I can. I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty and staff and with the communities we serve as we continue moving the college forward."
As the search for the college's next president begins, NCMC remains focused on its mission and momentum.
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