DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson announced on Wednesday that he will be retiring after over two decades leading the college.

Denson served as College President at Northeast Iowa Community College before assuming the role of President and CEO at DMACC in 2003. He was DMACC’s fourth president in the school’s 59 year history and the first native Iowan to hold the position.

Denson is credited with growing DMACC into a leading institution nationally; creating local and national partnerships, increasing student enrollment by 50% since 2003; and with focusing on fiscal responsibility.

“We have accomplished many milestones together over the years as we have adapted and thrived,” Denson said in a statement. “I specifically want to thank DMACC faculty and staff for all they have done that’s resulted in such success for DMACC.”

Denson said he and his wife, Pat, plan to stay in Ankeny and enjoy more time with their children and grandchildren.

The DMACC Board of Trustees will hire a consultant to help in the national search for the college’s next president.

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