Scholtens named NWC director of facilities management

Rick Scholtens of Orange City is Northwestern College’s new director of facilities management. He began the position Feb. 1 after more 10 years as a project engineer with Interstates Control Systems in Sioux Center.

In his new role, Scholtens oversees a staff of about two dozen employees and many student workers involved in building maintenance, groundskeeping, housekeeping and custodial services, and the college’s motor pool.

“Rick brings a breadth of experience that will serve the college well into the future,” says Doug Beukelman, Northwestern’s vice president for financial affairs. “His background as an engineer and project manager will be valuable as we deal with infrastructure. The culture of continuous improvement Rick was involved with at Interstates will influence how he builds and supports his team into the future.  I have already seen the benefits of his knowledge and experience during the construction of the science building.”

Scholtens graduated from Northwestern College in 1992 with a business administration major. He worked in estimating and sales for Mequon Distributors in Thiensville, Wis.; in carpentry at Mark’s Cabinet Shop in Alton; and as a department manager/operator at Pella Corporation in Sioux Center before earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Dordt College in 2007.

“Rick is so relational and caring,” says Beukelman. “His staff will enjoy his mentoring skills. They also will receive the benefit of his commitment to ensure adequate training is available. He is convinced people should grow in their knowledge and skill base through continuous improvement and learning opportunities.”

At Interstates, Scholtens received the “WOW” customer service award in 2009, completed the Harbor Group’s Excellence in Leadership program and co-led a service project that involved designing and installing an off-grid electrical system for the Coldwater Foundation, a faith and leadership development organization based in Grand Marais, Minn.

“The people at Northwestern are of very high caliber and care very deeply,” says Scholtens. “I’m very impressed with the commitment of the individuals on staff to the college and its mission.”

Scholtens says the main goals for his first year are to learn as much as he can and build relationships of trust with the staff.

Scholtens replaces Scott Simmelink, who retired after 27 years as director of maintenance and operations.