MD Isley, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Named ‘Distinguished College Administrator’ By National Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

MD Isley, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), has been named a “Distinguished College Administrator” by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. This prestigious national award recognizes college leaders who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to student success. Isley will formally accept the honor during PTK’s Annual Convention, April 3-5, 2025, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Through his behind-the-scenes efforts, Isley’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing opportunities for high-achieving students at DMACC. Most recently, he appointed Nancy Woods as the first Director of Advanced Student Academics — a new position designed to expand access to advanced academic programs, including PTK. Woods, a professor of Physics & Mathematics at DMACC’s Boone Campus, has been the dedicated and passionate advisor of the PTK program for many years, connecting students to lucrative scholarship funds and opportunities to continue their education.

DMACC’s 6 Phi Theta Kappa chapters were able to receive approximately $190,000 in competitive scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa’s Foundation in the last few years, according to Nancy Woods’ records. This figure does not include the Transfer Scholarships that our PTK Transfer Partner Universities award students upon entering their institutions.  

In 2024, DMACC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapters inducted approximately 325 new members across the district. In the first three months of 2025, those chapters have already inducted more than half the total from 2024. 

“This could be a big year for Phi Theta Kappa at DMACC,” Woods said. “This positive growth is largely because of MD’s support and encouragement as DMACC created the Advanced Student Academics area.”

Placing Woods in the director role was part of a larger initiative to ensure all DMACC students have equal access to support and resources that amplify their educational experience, Isley said.

“The real credit goes to Nancy Woods, our faculty, and academic advisors who work directly with students to help them take full advantage of what Phi Theta Kappa has to offer,” Isley said. “I see my role as providing the overall direction and support to make these opportunities possible.”

Isley was nominated by one of the student members of Phi Theta Kappa, an indication his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“[Students] see and appreciate your dedication—both inside and outside the classroom—knowing you support their learning and the success of others like them,” PTK President & CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner wrote in an email to Isley in February. “Because of you, they have a richer, more meaningful college experience.”

Isley’s career spans more than 35 years in higher education, including his former position as Dean of the School of Business and Information Technology at DMACC and founding Executive Director of two significant projects in the Des Moines area: the Des Moines Higher Education Collaborative/Pappajohn Education Center and Bravo Greater Des Moines. He holds a Master of Science in Career and Technical Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

“While I miss teaching, I remind myself that my work as an administrator is directly connected to supporting our students' success,” Isley remarked. “I’m grateful for this recognition, which really belongs to the entire team that works tirelessly to provide these opportunities.”

“MD is an example of the outstanding staff and faculty at DMACC whose efforts make the college one of the top institutions in the country,” said President Rob Denson. “Collectively, our goal is to put students first and help them achieve their academic and career goals.”