Frederick V. Moore, President

Fred Moore came to Buena Vista University in 1995 from North Carolina Wesleyan College, where he last served as vice president for development. He is an attorney who holds J.D. with Honors, M.B.A., and B.A. degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and he has worked in corporate America as a strategic planner, financial analyst, and marketing executive.

As the 17th President of Buena Vista University, President Moore has led this University to a new level of excellence.

In 2000, President Moore spearheaded the technological initiative that positioned BVU as the first totally wireless campus in the nation, providing over 1,400 Gateway laptop computers to all Storm Lake students and faculty.

Two years later, he led one of the most aggressive capital campaigns in the University’s history to raise funds for a new $26 million Estelle Siebens Science Center, which was celebrated with a groundbreaking on September 30, 2002. This construction project followed the $9.5 million Lamberti Recreation Center, completed in 2001.

Established in 1975, Professional & Online Studies (formerly known as "Centers") has expanded from nine established sites to a total of 14 current locations.  Professional & Online Studies allows adult learners with college credit to earn a four-year degree from virtually anywhere in the state.

Because of his visionary leadership, President Moore was appointed to the Access Education Commission by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. He has recently completed a term with the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Iowa Learns Council. President Moore was also formerly chair of the Tax Policy Committee of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Board of Directors, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. He is the Past Chair of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Council of Independent Colleges.

J. Alan Coheley, Vice President for Enrollment Management

J. Alan Coheley joined BVU in 2006 as the Vice President for Enrollment Management. Coheley received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his master’s degree in student personnel from Bowling Green State University. He is continuing his education by working towards his doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis at East Tennessee State University.

Before coming to BVU, Coheley worked for Mt. Olive College at the Wilmington, N.C., adult education campus, where he helped bring in record enrollment. He worked at Lees-McRae College for five years as vice president for enrollment and student development and dean of students prior to Mt. Olive. Coheley frequently makes conference presentations on a number of topics, including Ethics in Admissions, Selecting Colleges, Making Enrollment Work, and Tuition Discounting.

Dr. Keith Betts, Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students

Betts joined BVU in 2006 after serving as senior executive director of the division of student and academic support services at The George Washington University (GW) in Washington, DC. There he developed comprehensive plans to advance an optimal student life agenda and to enhance the student wellness experience. He also served as the executive director for alumni relations in the office for institutional advancement and served in the athletic department as a successful golf and soccer coach and administrator.

Betts was an adjunct faculty member at GW's School of Public Health and Health Services and at Drexel University’s School of Education. Betts holds a doctorate in higher education administration and an MBA in international business from The George Washington University. He earned two bachelor's degrees; one in management (summa cum laude) from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, and one in sports administration and physiology (with honors) from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Michael Whitlatch, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty

Whitlatch, professor of drama, has been a BVU faculty member since 1977. During his tenure, he has directed the theatre program, served several appointments as dean of the School of Communication & Arts, and served as the associate dean of faculty. In 1994, he received the George Wythe Award for Teaching Excellence, BVU's highest faculty honor.

Whitlatch has directed numerous BVU theatre productions, is widely published in academic journals, and has presented his scholarship at several national conferences. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master's degree in theatre from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in theatre from Bowling Green State University (Ohio).

Kenneth Converse, Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Converse was named vice president for institutional advancement in December 1999, having served previously at BVU for five years as director of development. A graduate of South Dakota State University, Converse earned his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is responsible for the operation of the university's development and alumni relations programs. He manages 15 staff who yield over $5 million per year in support of annual and capital projects. Converse is a frequent speaker and facilitator at Council for Advancement and Support of Education conferences and workshops.

Elizabeth S. Merten, Interim Vice President for Business Services

Elizabeth (Liz) Merten has served the BVU Business Services with distinction for more than 30 years. She presently is serving as Interim Vice President of Business Services. Prior to that she was the Director of Business Services at Buena Vistas from 1996-2007, Business Manager (1990-1996), Assistant to the Vice President for Business (1982-1990), and Cashier/Bookkeeper (1977-1982). Merten earned a Masters in Human Resource Management (MAHRM) from Briar Cliff University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Buena Vista University. She has an Employment Law Certification from Drake University, Senior Professional Human Resources Certification (SPHR), Would of Work CCP Certification (pending completion), and College Business Management Certification from the University of Kentucky.