ANKENY, Iowa — After 22 years of leadership, Rob Denson announced Wednesday that he will retire as president and CEO of DMACC effective Dec. 30, 2025.
Denson has held his position at DACC since 2003 and is only the fourth president to lead the community college since its founding in 1966. DMACC has seen steady growth on Denson’s watch and now serves more than 35,000 students and operates with an annual budget of $141 million.
Reflecting on his more than 40 years in higher education and 30 years of serving as a college president — first at Northeast Iowa Community College and then at DMACC — Denson said his decision to retire comes with mixed emotions and excitement for the future.
“We have accomplished many milestones together over the years as we have adapted and thrived,” said Denson. He cited such examples as the college’s greatly expanded academic programs and enhanced student support services, the more than $100 million in new and renovated, state-of-the art facilities and creating many local and national partnerships.
“I specifically want to thank DMACC faculty and staff for all they have done that’s resulted in such success for DMACC,” said Denson. “I’m most proud of each and every one of the thousands of students who have walked across our stage at graduation. By enrolling at DMACC these Iowans have opened new doors to careers, greater prosperity and success for themselves, their families, and communities.”
Enrollment at DMACC has increased more than 50% under Denson’s 22-year leadership and has evolved into a leading national institution. The college’s strategic vision has led to major partnerships with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Google and many others.
Longtime DMACC Board of Trustees President Joe Pugel reflected on Denson’s many achievements. Pugel led the hiring committee’s candidate search in 2003, and he said some key attributes clearly separated Denson from the other candidates.
“It’s easy to look at the new bricks and mortar across the college to see how DMACC has flourished under Rob’s leadership,” Pugel said, “but I think the key to his success has been his ability to recognize the needs of our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve and then find solutions to those needs. Rob is well-grounded, has strong Midwest values, a student-first mindset and the ability to form important partnerships. These strengths have all served him well over the years.”
Pugel noted that Denson also guided the College through some difficult times, including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and a 2021 cyber attack.
Pugel said the DMACC Board will hire a consultant and conduct a national search for Denson’s successor, ensuring a thoughtful and thorough process to select a new leader who will continue to build upon DMACC’s remarkable legacy. He said the board will welcome input from faculty, staff and the communities that the college serves.
Rob and Pat Denson plan to remain in Ankeny, where they will enjoy more time to enjoy their children and grandchildren. While he will retire from his current role at DMACC, he plans to maintain the friendships and connections he has built over his career.
“My wife, Pat, and I have had a wonderful time being part of the DMACC family,” Denson said. “I’ve always looked forward to getting up in the morning and getting to the office.”
President Denson’s Advice to Students . . .
- The secret to life is hard work “That’s something I always tell my grandchildren and it’s gotten me to where I am today.”
- You have to be present to win. “Show up ready to work and hit it hard.”
- We have opportunities to improve other people’s lives “If you can improve the lives of others, that will usually improve your own life as well.”
- If you don’t feel appreciated, there is always someone looking for high-performing, driven talent!
Personal Accolades
- Longest-serving President since DMACC was established in 1966
- Driven the DMACC semi in nearly 500 parades
- 2024 induction into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame
- Received the 2024 Karen L. Evans Immigrant Champion Award
- Arthur Davis Distinguished Community Leadership Award
- Iowa Future Farmers of America Distinguished Service Award
- Awarded the Chevalier de L’Ordre du Merite Agicole medal by the Department of Agriculture in France
Recent DMACC Milestones
- Record enrollment for the Spring 2025, headcount up 15.88 percent
- Among the lowest property-tax levy of any Iowa community college
- 2021 #1 Employer in Iowa by Forbes Magazine
- Lumina Foundation chooses DMACC as one of six community colleges in the nation to showcase best practices in workforce education.
- Intel chooses DMACC as it’s first higher-education partner in Iowa to launch a new Intel® AI for Workforce Program
- National Security Agency (NSA) designates DMACC as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Design
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expands partnership with DMACC as the sole College to deliver security training to all TSA employees
- Google chooses DMACC as the first of only two community colleges in the nation to pilot their Software Engineering Certificate
- The National Science Foundation increases the number of STEM grants to DMACC–one of only 13 community colleges to receive this award.
- Intelligent.com recognizes DMACC’s online business degree as the third-best for entrepreneurs in the nation
- UNI@DMACC and DMACC-ISU Connect enroll record number of transfer students
Community voices throughout the years . . .
- “Rob is a tireless leaders and unwavering advocate for DMACC and the many other organizations with which he is connected.” – Dennis Albaugh, DMACC graduate and founder of Albaugh LLC
- “Rob is an approachable and collaborative leader – well regarded in educational, legislative and business circles.” – Joyce Chapman, former director of West Bank
- “Rob has a way of making everyone feel special. In less than a year after he came to DMACC, the faculty and staff were not only proud of working there, but they were enthusiastic about the future.” – Suku Radia, retired CEO of Bankers Trust
