Des Moines Area Community College

31/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/08/2024 02:06

Bill Peters Named New Executive Dean of DMACC Newton Campus

Peters (above) began his new role at the DMACC Newton Campus on July 15.

  • Peters, a resident of Newton, previously served as the Head Principal at Newton Senior High School for 20 years.

  • "Bill is very well respected in Newton and the surrounding communities, and will make a great leader at the DMACC Newton Campus," said Bill LaTour, DMACC Vice President of Operations.

  • Peters worked with DMACC during the creation of the College's Newton Career Academy.

Bill Peters has been named the new Executive Dean of the DMACC Newton Campus. His first day at DMACC was July 15.

Peters, of Newton, previously served as the Head Principal at Newton Senior High School for two decades.

"I have worked with DMACC for 20 years as a high school principal, and I am very familiar with the purpose and mission of the Newton Campus," Peters said. "I believe having DMACC in our community is a great benefit and provides enhanced opportunities for students."

Peters said staying in Newton is a huge plus for himself.

"I can't imagine living anywhere else," Peters said. "Being able to serve our community and promote education is also very important to me."

Peters will report directly to Bill LaTour, DMACC Vice President of Operations.

"Bill brings a wealth of educational and managerial experience to his new role as Executive Campus Dean at the DMACC Newton Campus," LaTour said. "He has played an important role serving the Newton community and has been involved in education and serving students for nearly his entire career. Bill is very well respected in Newton and the surrounding communities, and will make a great leader at the DMACC Newton Campus."

Peters said maintaining a good working relationship with the county schools and promoting the growth of adult education to meet the unique needs of the surrounding communities are two of his goals in his new position at DMACC.

Peters recalls working with DMACC over the years.

"Newton High School didn't have any concurrent enrollment opportunities 20 years ago and now we have dozens of opportunities for our high school-aged students," Peter said. "I worked with the Newton Community School District (NCSD) School Board and the Superintendent of Schools in conjunction with DMACC to make the Career Academy a reality for Jasper County students.

"Seeing that come to fruition for our community was fantastic. I know the DMACC system and the relationships with the community very well."

Peters earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from the University of Wyoming and holds a Master's degree in Secondary Administration, also from the University of Wyoming. Earlier in his career, he taught social studies at a high school in Coalinga, Calif., and at a high school in Gillette, Wyo.

Peters then served as Assistant Principal at Campbell County High School in Gillette from 1997-2003 and as Head Principal there from 2003-2004. He's been the Head Principal at Newton Senior High School since 2004.

Peters and his wife, Kristi, have a daughter, Danielle Tomokowitz, who works for William and Mary University in Major Donor Gifts, and a son, Cole Peters, who works as a psychologist at the Fort Knox Military Base.

Peters replaces Dr. Joe DeHart, who recently retired from DMACC.

Contacts:

- Bill LaTour, DMACC Vice President of Operations, (515) 964-6678, [email protected]

- Bill Peters, Executive Dean of DMACC Newton Campus, (641) 791-1721, [email protected]