Mount Mercy names former Kirkwood head as interim president

Mount Mercy University has named a former Kirkwood Community College president as its interim president, officials announced Thursday.

Norm Nielsen, who was Kirkwood president from 1985 until his retirement in 2005, was chosen by the Mount Mercy board of trustees as interim president, according to a university statement. Nielsen also serves as chairman of the Buena Vista University board of trustees.

Nielsen will serve as Mount Mercy interim president while the board conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement, to begin soon. Nielsen will play an active role in the presidential search, officials said in the statement.

Mount Mercy President Christopher Blake last week requested and was granted a one-year sabbatical, and university officials confirmed this week that Blake will not return to the school after that leave ends in May 2014. Blake led the school for seven years. Mount Mercy officials also confirmed this week that Provost Melody Graham has taken a leave of absence.

With a full endorsement from Buena Vista University President Fred Moore, Nielsen will take on all responsibilities of the interim president and oversee day-to-day operations of Mount Mercy, officials said.

"His experience and commitment to higher education will continue to push Mount Mercy to new levels of achievement," board of trustees Chairman Brandt Worley said in a statement.