Connect With Us
The Admissions team is excited to welcome you! We look forward to showing you 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
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’re the BEST! We are a selective, nationally recognized community college that provides both a quality education and a 4-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 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 you need help.
Contact Shannon: 319-398-7680 or shannon.feldermann@kirkwood.edu
Maggie Francis, Admissions Advisor
Worked at Kirkwood since 2021
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management, minor in Sociology, from Wichita State University
Why Kirkwood?: Kirkwood provides flexible learning opportunities and real-world experiences to help students complete their education on time and graduate workforce ready. The environment at Kirkwood is welcoming and very student focused.
Favorite Place on Campus: Johnson Hall, where the Kirkwood Eagles Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, and Men’s Basketball teams take the court and compete throughout the year.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Visit schools you’re interested in, apply early, and get involved! “Just do the best you can. No one can do more than that.” – John Wooden
Contact Maggie: 319-398-1294 or maggie.francis@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, Master 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 for success when I transferred, and it 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. Your college experience is what you make it, so have a blast!
Contact Nick: 319-398-5656 or 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, 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’re interested in. You’ll know better than anyone else which college or university is the best fit for you!
Contact Tyler: 319-398-5612 or 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 the 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 tim.sandquist@kirkwood.edu
Becca Vanderheiden, Admissions Advisor
Worked at Kirkwood since 2023
Hometown: Wheatland, Iowa
Education: Associate of Science from Kirkwood Community College, Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University
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 having a top community college Ag program! I am so proud to say that I am a Kirkwood alum. Go Eagles!
Favorite Place on Campus: The 3rd floor of Iowa Hall. The views of campus are amazing and it’s the perfect spot to sip on a coffee and study.
Advice for Kirkwood Applicants: Step outside your comfort zone and get involved! It’s the best way to meet new people and grow friendships that will last a lifetime. Also, when you apply, be sure to ask your advisor about scholarship opportunities. This can help make your college experience enjoyable at an affordable cost.
Contact Becca: 319-398-5575 or at becca.vanderheiden@kirkwood.edu
Who should I contact if I have questions?
There’s a Kirkwood advisor assigned to your area. Check out the map below to see who it is! Outside of Iowa? Contact admissions@kirkwood.edu and we’ll get you connected with the advisor that’s best for you!
