A Mason City native, Dr. Janet Ahlman McMahill, is the driving force behind a new leadership development degree coming to the NIACC campus this fall. The program is the result of collaborative planning with NIACC President Steve Schulz and Drake professors experienced with “just-in-time” college courses. Starting in the fall, Drake will offer a 30-credit hour graduate degree for emerging and aspiring leaders in the greater Mason City area. The 10 classes can be completed in 18 months with 3 Saturdays and online sessions for each topic. The first 3 credit class meets on September 9th, 30th and October 14th with online assignments and discussion groups between the face-to-face meetings.

What’s different about this Drake degree? It’s designed for anyone with a Bachelor’s degree working now in one or more of the following careers: Healthcare, retail sales, insurance, banking/financial services, agribusiness, manufacturing, hospitality, local government, social services, small business or recreation. The classes are newly designed to advance skills in organizational leadership and leading change while working to become an innovative and futuristic change agent. Classes also benefit those who need help with political, ethical and human resource problems that arise in the workplace. Students will learn strategies to inspire others and to use data to make decisions to advance an organization of any size.

Students enrolled in the program will receive the “Drake Promise” to offer all of the courses in sequence on the NIACC campus. Drake professors and local instructional partners will teach, advise and guide the initial group of 20 students who enroll in the fall ’17 semester. Graduates will earn a Master of Science Degree in Leadership Development.

Drake has a history of successful Master’s Degree courses for teachers, school administrators and counselors offered for over 20 years in the Mason City area, but this is a new venture! It is aimed at those who are in a position to lead yet otherwise unable to find an advanced degree that suits their situation. Drake graduate tuition is comparable to the State Universities and there are no extra fees. A variety of financial aid options are available.

The application process is simple. Drake personnel will start information and advising sessions on June 20 from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. in McAllister Hall Room 104 on the NIACC campus.

For more information or make an appointment, contact Special Project Assistant Dianne Peterson at dianne.peterson@drake.edu or speak with a Graduate Admissions Counselor at 515-271-2552.

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