Hello, Marion alumni and supporters near and far! My name is Dr. Nic Hartmann – you can just call me Nic – and I am happy and honored to be joining the Marion Independent School Foundation & Alumni Association as Executive Director.
A bit about me: I’m a native of Southern Indiana, growing up in a small town near Evansville along the Ohio River. I attended Indiana University, Western Kentucky University and Memorial University of Newfoundland, earning degrees in anthropology and folklore, and specializing in public arts practice. I live in Cedar Rapids with my wife Jen, and our two daughters, Mari (13) and Rosi (10); we are active in Girl Scouts as a family, and I am also actively involved in the community as a mentor for both United Way and Leadership for Five Seasons. I am an artist, and I enjoy writing, listening to sports and cooking; I also recently took up wheelchair curling as a hobby.
A bit about my work background: since moving to Iowa in 2016 with my family, I have served as a museum education director, a nonprofit director, and donor relations director, before taking on my most recent position as a professor of Museum Studies at the University of Iowa. I am currently part-time at the Foundation while finishing my academic year at UI, and will start full-time in May.
I was drawn to the work of the Foundation through my many community experiences of working with MISD teachers and students. No matter where I have been, I have seen a lot of innovative and passionate educators, and students who are thoughtful and unique. In my museum educator days, we would have MHS students onsite every quarter – 120 of them! – and the days they would come were exciting and enjoyable. That first impression stuck with me, and I am thrilled to be a part of the community to make that energy possible.
As a folklorist and nonprofit leader, my goal is to activate the power of story, relationships and community-building for good. My hope, as the new Executive Director, is that I can build upon the incredible and impactful work of my predecessors, but also grow the Foundation’s impact on teachers, students, and alumni.
I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future, learning more about what the district means to you, and working together to create a stronger MISD! Nic