North Central Missouri College has begun a national search for its next president following the retirement of Dr. Lenny Klaver, effective Aug. 31.

The NCMC Board of Trustees appointed Jamie Hooyman as interim president effective Sept. 1 to lead the college during the search process.

Board President Diane Lowrey expressed confidence in the college’s future and the leadership transition.

“Throughout our history, NCMC has been fortunate to have leaders who were the right people at the right time to build upon our strong foundation,” she said. “Today, our college is in a position of strength, and we are confident that our next president will continue our tradition of excellence. We know we will attract outstanding candidates who are eager to become part of our exceptional college community.”

The board also expressed appreciation for Klaver’s service and the progress made during his tenure.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Lenny Klaver for his years of dedicated leadership and service to North Central Missouri College,” Lowrey said. “During his time as president, NCMC experienced meaningful growth and development that strengthened our mission and expanded opportunities for students. We thank Dr. Klaver for his many contributions and wish him the very best in retirement and his future endeavors.”

Hooyman brings decades of higher education and leadership experience to the interim role and has longstanding ties to NCMC.

Most recently, Hooyman retired from Northwest Missouri State University, where she served as vice president of academic affairs and provost. Appointed in 2017, she became the first woman in the university’s history to serve as chief academic officer, overseeing academic quality, student success and institutional planning. She also served for many years as a mentor with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Academy for New Provosts.

Before joining Northwest’s leadership team, Hooyman spent more than a decade at NCMC in several leadership positions, including vice president of institutional effectiveness. In that role, she oversaw instruction, student services, grants, dual credit and outreach programs, business and industry partnerships and information technology initiatives. She also represented the college on state-level committees and task forces.

Her professional experience also includes serving as a faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma and holding leadership roles with Metropolitan Community College and Jackson County. She began her career in health care, working in clinical and wellness settings focused on improving quality of life for diverse populations.

Hooyman holds a Doctor of Education in human performance from Oklahoma State University, a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University and an Associate of Arts degree from NCMC.

Throughout her career, Hooyman has served on numerous committees and professional organizations, presented at conferences and received regional and national recognition. Among her honors are NCMC’s Top Sail Award and Northwest Missouri State University’s Influential Woman Award.

“I am thrilled to serve as Interim President because I believe so strongly in what NCMC does every day to help individuals achieve their dreams,” Hooyman said. “This institution has been an important part of my family’s history, and I never hesitate to give back when I can. I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty and staff and with the communities we serve as we continue moving the college forward.”

Lowrey said the board is confident Hooyman will provide steady leadership during the transition.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hooyman back to NCMC as Interim President,” Lowrey said. “She brings a wealth of higher education experience, a strong understanding of our institution, and a demonstrated commitment to student success. Her leadership will provide continuity, stability, and support as we move through the presidential search process and continue serving our students and communities.”