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The Admissions Team is excited to welcome you! We're looking forward to showing what a warm, welcoming place our campus is.
With our decades of service and passion, you'll see why Kirkwood is the best place to start your future.
Contact the Admissions Office
Phone: 319-398-7600 or 800-363-2220
Email: admissions@kirkwood.edu
On campus: 3rd Floor Iowa Hall
Mark Ash, Adult Admissions Advisor
Worked at Kirkwood since 2004
Hometown: Elgin, Iowa
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loras College
Why Kirkwood?: We’re one of Iowa’s best educational values. Students have the option of studying short-term, in-demand programs or taking transferable classes if pursuing a four-year degree.
Favorite Place on Campus: The view from my office in Iowa Hall. Gazing out my window, you would never know you’re on a community college campus.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Wherever you go, whatever you do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Contact Mark: 319-398-5543 or at mark.ash@kirkwood.edu
Shannon Feldermann, Admissions Advisor
Worked at Kirkwood since 2005
Hometown: Galena, Illinois
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University, Master of Arts in Education from Iowa State University
Why Kirkwood?: We are the BEST! We are a selective, nationally-recognized community college that provides both a quality education and a four-year college experience… all while carrying a very low price tag!
Favorite Place on Campus: Nielsen Hall. It’s a nice quiet hall with a lot of natural light that overlooks campus. Nielsen Hall is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee from The Café.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Apply early! It opens the communication lines so that you don’t miss any important deadlines! Also, apply for scholarships. There is a lot of scholarship money that goes untouched because students don’t apply. If you have questions, ask! We can’t help you if we don’t know that you need help.
Contact Shannon: 319-398-7680 or at shannon.feldermann@kirkwood.edu
Nick Kettmann, Director of Admissions
'08 Kirkwood Grad; Worked at Kirkwood since 2011
Hometown: Bellevue, Iowa
Education: Associate of Arts from Kirkwood Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa, Masters of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education and Community College Leadership from Iowa State University
Why Kirkwood?: Kirkwood provides a university-like experience at an affordable cost. Students receive personal attention and gain opportunities that will open many doors to their futures. I had an amazing experience as a Kirkwood student which laid the groundwork to success when I transferred and carried into my professional career. Go Eagles!
Favorite Place on Campus: The Rec Center, I was heavily involved in Intramurals as a student and spent many nights playing pick-up basketball games in the Recreation Center. The Rec provides a fun and active atmosphere to meet up with current friends while making new ones.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Get involved! Kirkwood provides countless opportunities; all you need to do is take the initiative and capture them. Your college experience is what you make of it so have a blast!
Contact Nick: 319-398-5656 or at nick.kettmann@kirkwood.edu
Tyler Poldervaart, Associate Director of Admissions
Worked at Kirkwood since 2020
Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Education: Associate of Arts from Iowa Central Community College, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Mount Mercy University, and Master of Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University
Why Kirkwood?: We provide an experience that combines the many opportunities available at a large institution; while also embracing the student-centered community found at a small college or university.
Favorite Place on Campus: The newly renovated Iowa Hall. I love encountering interactions between students, faculty, and staff in a laid-back environment.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Get out there and visit the schools you are interested in. You will know better than anyone else which college or university is the best fit for you!
Contact Tyler: 319-398-5612 or at tyler.poldervaart@kirkwood.edu
Tim Sandquist, Admissions Advisor
Head Men’s Basketball Coach; worked at Kirkwood since 2019
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History from University of Nebraska Omaha, Master of Arts in Recreational Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha
Why Kirkwood?: Kirkwood has a tradition of excellence that is unmatched. Whether it’s on the court, or in the classroom, Kirkwood Eagles accomplish incredible things.
Favorite Place on Campus: Johnson Hall, of course! It’s home to the Eagle Empire, which has brought home 13 National Championships — including the 2019 men’s and 2022 women’s basketball titles, as well as more than 70 Region XI Championships.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Be willing to get out of your comfort zone!
Contact Tim: 319-398-5522 or at tim.sandquist@kirkwood.edu
Becca Vanderheiden, Admissions Advisor
Worked at Kirkwood since 2023
Hometown: Wheatland, Iowa
Education: Associate of Science from Kirkwood Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in Agricultural Science
Why Kirkwood?: Kirkwood has endless opportunities for students to be involved. Whether that be in intramurals, study abroad trips, or clubs. There is an adventure for everyone! Also, Kirkwood is nationally recognized as a top community college Ag program! I am so proud to say that I am a Kirkwood alum. Go Eagles!
Favorite Place on Campus: My favorite spot on campus is the 3rd floor of Iowa Hall! The views of campus are amazing and it is the perfect spot to sip on a coffee and study.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Step outside your comfort zone and get involved! It is the best way to meet new people and grow friendships that will last a lifetime. Also, when you are applying be sure to ask your advisor about scholarship opportunities, this can help make your college experience enjoyable at an affordable cost.
Contact Rebecca: 319-398-5575 or at rebecca.vanderheiden@kirkwood.edu