Dr. Brian A. Lenzmeier’s Contract Extended as President of Buena Vista University

January 7, 2025

The Board of Trustees of Buena Vista University (BVU) has unanimously approved a five-year extension of Dr. Brian A. Lenzmeier's contract as President. Since stepping in as interim president in May 2020 and being named BVU's 19th President that October, Dr. Lenzmeier has guided the university with steady leadership and a focus on growth, ensuring stability and success for years to come.

"The extension of President Lenzmeier's contract is a win for the future of BVU and the Storm Lake community," said Becki Drahota, Owner & CEO of Mills Financial Marketing and BVU board member. "His leadership resonates with students, faculty, donors, and Trustees alike, and his vision for the future has already begun to materialize in exciting ways. In my 20 years on the Board, I have never been more confident in the direction and velocity of growth Brian brings to the table."

Michael Pierce, Chair of BVU's Board of Trustees, echoed this sentiment. "President Lenzmeier has guided this institution with unwavering dedication," said Pierce. "He led BVU through the pandemic, navigating unprecedented challenges, and we came out even stronger. I'm excited to see where his leadership takes us in the years ahead."

A testament to his forward-thinking leadership, President Lenzmeier launched Building Beyond Expectations in January 2024-a ten-year strategic vision centered on three core themes: Building Connections, Building Outcomes, and Building Community. These themes provide a roadmap for BVU's continued success, as evidenced by recent accomplishments during his tenure:

Building Connections

• Storm Lake residential enrollment has grown for four consecutive years, reaching its highest level since 2015, while graduate enrollment surpassed 500 students in 2023.
• BVU's endowment has experienced consistent growth since 2020, bolstering the university's financial foundation.

Building Outcomes

• BVU has introduced new co-curricular programs, including STUNT, Women's Wrestling, Esports, and Archery, all of which are thriving. Additionally, participation in music ensembles has more than doubled over the past five years.
• Under President Lenzmeier's leadership, two new graduate programs-the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Master of Education in Educational Administration-were launched, along with an online undergraduate Social Work program.

Building Community

• A new apartment-style residence hall is scheduled to open in Fall 2025, enhancing on-campus living options.
• BVU's new athletic performance facility, a cornerstone of the $10 million Building Champions campaign, will also debut in 2025, further enriching student experiences.

Reflecting on these milestones, President Lenzmeier emphasized the collective effort driving BVU's success: "BVU is building-it's what Beavers do. These accomplishments reflect the commitment and collaboration of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. Together, we are positioning BVU for a bright and sustainable future."

President Lenzmeier's extended tenure ensures the university will continue its upward trajectory, strengthening its role as a beacon of educational excellence in Northwest Iowa and beyond.

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