Dr. Kendra Ericson Named President of St. Luke’s College
St. Luke’s College – UnityPoint Health is proud to announce Kendra Ericson, PhD, MSN, RN, as the new President of St. Luke’s College. She replaces Mike Stiles who will be retiring after nearly four decades of service at the helm of St. Luke’s College. The search for Stiles’ replacement began in January of 2020. Ericson began her duties July 6.
“We are fortunate to have someone with the depth of skills and strategic vision that Kendra holds in this leadership position,” says Lynn Wold, President and CEO at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s. “Kendra has a firm grasp of the role St. Luke’s College plays in preparing our next generation of care providers. We are excited to add her to the leadership team and cannot wait to see where she takes the college. Mike dedicated his career to health education and leaves the college in a great place. We are confident Kendra will continue to move us forward.”
Most recently, Ericson served as the Director of Nursing Education at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, Iowa. In that role, she developed, implemented and monitored academic programming across DMACC’s multi-campus health program. She served in that role for more than seven years. In addition to her work at DMACC, Ericson has nearly two decades of experience in nursing education and curriculum development. She is also a member of a variety of industry coalitions including serving as President and Past President of the Iowa Career and Technical Association, and as the Committee Chair of the Des Moines Interprofessional Collaborative.
St. Luke’s College is the Siouxland region's only medical center based health sciences college, and one of only a few in the country. This offers students the opportunity to be immersed in a meaningful clinical learning experience in a full-service acute care community hospital.
Ericson welcomes the opportunity to lead St. Luke’s College.
“I am a first-generation college student and am passionate about the opportunities advanced education brings to individuals,” Ericson says. “I join St. Luke’s College knowing the quality of the instruction provided and the opportunities it provides. My passion lies in helping students find success and fulfill their life purpose. I see a similar passion among the faculty and staff at St. Luke’s College and that is why I am drawn to this position.”
Ericson was born and raised in rural Illinois. She is a graduate of Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Moline, Illinois. In addition to earning her Associate and Bachelor degrees in Nursing, Ericson has a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Phoenix and recently completed her PhD in Nursing at the University of Missouri.
Ericson and husband, Jeremy, have three children. She says she loves to travel, laugh with family and set out on new adventures, including training for an ultra-marathon. She is also looking forward to the new adventure presented by assuming the lead role at St. Luke’s College.
“I am excited to return to my educational roots with UnityPoint Health,” Ericson says. “I look forward to becoming a member of the St. Luke’s College family and working with the students, faculty and staff to continue to move health education forward in the Siouxland region.”