Lisa Folken Email Address

Assistant Director

Kirkwood, you'll find world-class faculty, amazing facilities and personal assistance. And you get it all for half the cost!

My roadmap to becoming a higher education administrator at Kirkwood started in 1988. I entered Iowa State University seemingly ready to tackle my post-secondary education. Unfortunately, I didn’t know I would have to change everything about my educational work ethic. I didn’t know that my first semester would be the most challenging and pivotal of my life. I felt invisible, misguided, ill-informed and underprepared. If this was initiation to College 101, I was failing. This realization coupled with ten years’ experience in marketing research sparked a passion inside me that inspires me each day. I have an undeniable thirst for having an impact on students to avoid the same mistakes I did. I teach students accountability and how to navigate, communicate, advocate, and enter college with skills to be the best version of their student selves. My core belief is that relationships are instrumental and can change the trajectory in student success. My Roles & Responsibilities: Overseeing a facility exceeding 400 students, faculty and staff Ongoing collaboration with nine school districts to offer ten career and liberal arts concurrent enrollment academies in compliance with the Department of Education, NACEP, HLC, and Senior Year Plus Legislation Budget officer Leadership development Certified Gallup Strength Coaching Comprehensive student services and student pathway navigation What I’m Most Proud of: Helped develop, market and expand first Kirkwood regional center offerings Doubled enrollment in less than ten years I thrive and excel at managing multiple facets of our operations and growing people to be their best. Leading a team in a strengths-based culture I have a strong EQ, a great connection and energy in working with people. I do everything with intention and purpose. My top 5 Strengths: Woo, Positivity, Communication, Maximizer and Arranger. Colleagues describe me as Authentic, Passionate, Assertive, Fearless and an Advocate. When I’m not working, you will find me with my husband, closest friends or three adult children traveling, hiking, bicycling, UTV trail riding in Wisconsin, and day trips in my convertible to find the most scenic route and the best restaurants off the beaten path.