Becca Ellingson, class of 2018, earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina in 1974. In 1992, she made a bold decision to change her career path. She enrolled in an Associate’s Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Northeast Iowa Community College and later obtained her MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Iowa.
Her path after that career change took her from staff RN to Nurse Manager to Nursing Faculty at the same college when she earned her RN credential. Then, in 2015, she relocated to Ottumwa to lead the Indian Hills Community College Nursing Program as the Nursing Program Chair.
As a newcomer to Ottumwa, participating in the 2017/2018 class gave her the chance to gain a deep understanding of her new community and how it operates. “I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the Ottumwa Leadership Academy,” Ellingson said. “The monthly experiences were informative, stimulating, and especially helpful for me, as I was new to the community.”
To any considering participating in O.L.A., Becca shared words of encouragement, “I would highly recommend the Academy to anyone, new to the community or not. I gained an understanding and great appreciation for what goes on in this community. Ottumwa can really be proud of this program!”
After six successful years at Indian Hills Community College, Becca retired at the end of the Summer 2021 term. Becca looks forward to having the opportunity to spend more time with her family, enjoying the snowy winters in Decorah.
Congratulations, Becca!
