Dr. Brian Lenzmeier

President

President Lenzmeier, who joined BVU in 2003 as a Professor of Biology, was named BVU’s 19th President in Oct. 2020. He has shared his talents in many capacities on campus, moving into leadership roles as Chair of the Faculty Senate and Dean of the Faculty before assuming the role of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs followed by Interim President. 

President Lenzmeier was named “Faculty Member of the Year” twice by BVU Student Senate and was the 2009 George Wythe Award recipient—the University’s highest honor for excellence in teaching. An advocate for rural health care and education, he has as served on the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Community Advisory Council and the Faith, Hope and Charity Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Iowa Lakes Corridor Board of Directors and the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task Force.

The native of Willmar, Minn. earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Colorado State University and holds a B.A. in biology from Saint John’s University. He also completed post-doctoral research in molecular biology at Princeton University and was a visiting research fellow in molecular medicine at the Mayo Clinic in 2011.

Dr. Kim Linduska

Interim Provost

Dr. Kim Linduska began her role as Interim Provost in August 2020, working in a part-time capacity. As Interim Provost, Linduska participates on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee; oversees the tenure and promotion process; addresses personnel issues; oversees the Provost Office budget; and oversees and mentors the four academic deans. Linduska previously enjoyed a distinguished career as an executive level administrator for more than 20 years at Des Moines Area Community College and served as a Higher Learning Commission Consultant Evaluator. 

Linduska earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies and her master’s in career and technical education from Iowa State University, and her bachelor’s in special education from Augustana College. 

Dr. Heather Black

Vice President for Student Success

Dr. Heather Black began her role as Vice President for Student Success in August 2021. Black came to BVU from Pittsburgh, Pa. where she served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Chatham University. 

She has more than 15 years of experience working with a wide array of student success positions including student affairs, residence life, student activities, and more. Her focus is on supporting student success through student-centered and inclusive values, programs, and services.

Black earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her master’s degree in higher education from the University of Toledo. She then completed her Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh.

Jean Bral

Vice President for Extended University Programs

Jean Bral was named Vice President for Extended University Programs in October 2019. Her responsibilities include directing partnerships among community college locations and graduate programs while leading enrollment, continuing education efforts, student success initiatives, and the development of strategic collaborations.

Bral has devoted her career to Buena Vista University, most recently serving as director of the University’s graduate programs after having worked as director of operations for online, site, and graduate programs from 2011-18.

Bral, who began her career in BVU’s Admissions Department, has enjoyed roles in Financial Aid and the Registrar’s Office as well.

The 1989 BVU graduate, a psychology major, is a native of Manning. Bral, who earned a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota, serves as a volunteer at The Bridge, Summit Evangelical Free Church, and with Dory, the therapy dog serving Storm Lake Middle School, where Bral also spends time as a mentor.

Joan Canty

Vice President for University Advancement

Joan Canty was named Vice President for University Advancement in May 2021. She brings more than 30 years of experience working in alumni and donor relations. 

Canty most recently served as Director of the National Eagle Scout Association and Supervisor of Alumni Development for the Boy Scouts of America in Irving, Tex. She previously held roles as Vice President of University Advancement at the University of Dallas in Irving, Tex., and Vice President for University Advancement, as well as additional leadership positions, at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Tex. Canty has a comprehensive history of development experience and success in creating effective donor relations. She is drawn to the mission of private universities and their impact on students. 

Canty, a New England native, received her master’s in communication studies from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Tex. and her bachelor’s in communications from Loyola University New Orleans.

Kevin McIntyre

Vice President for Enrollment Management

Kevin McIntyre joined BVU in September 2018.

McIntyre has more than 30 years of experience in higher education enrollment. Before joining BVU, he served as dean of admission at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. He also held prior roles as vice president at Rosemont College, dean of enrollment management at Immaculata University, dean of admissions at Goldey-Beacom College, director of admissions and financial aid at Keystone Junior College, and assistant dean of admissions at King’s College.

McIntyre is actively involved in multiple organizations including the National Association for College Admission Counseling. He has also been a member of Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling and a scholarship program reader for Educational Testing Services.

McIntyre received his master’s of business administration from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware and his bachelor’s in English at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Suzette Radke

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Suzette Radke was named Vice President for Finance and Administration in 2016.

She holds a bachelor's degree in leisure services and physical education from Wartburg College, a bachelor's degree in accounting from BVU and a master's degree in professional accountancy from University of South Dakota, Vermillion. Radke has also received a certificate in advanced education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Institute for Management and Leadership in Education.

Radke's career at BVU spans 25 years, including roles as an accountant, accounting manager and controller, and most recently director of business services and controller. Since 2012, she has served as an adjunct faculty member in BVU's Harold Walter Siebens School of Business, teaching Governmental and not-for-profit accounting.

Radke also manages the accounting for a family farm and is actively involved in the community as a member of the Baseball/Softball Improvement Commission, a Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Foundation board member, and an advisory board member for Heritage Bank NA.

Scott Brown

Director of Athletics

Scott Brown began as Director of Athletics in July 2021. Brown most recently served as Executive Director of Development in University Advancement at BVU. Prior to joining BVU, Brown succeeded in a variety of athletic department roles serving South Dakota State University, UCLA, and the University of Iowa. The Storm Lake native, who began his career at the Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, has a wealth of experience in NCAA athletics ranging from strategic planning to personnel to fundraising to alumni relations.

Brown received his master’s in sport management from Western Illinois University. He earned his bachelor’s in sport administration and political science from Simpson College where he competed in basketball and baseball.

Dr. Bryan Kampbell

Chair of the Faculty Senate

Dr. Bryan Kampbell joined the BVU faculty in 2008 and currently serves as Associate Professor of Communication. He was named Chair of the Faculty Senate in April 2020. 

Kampbell earned his Ph.D. in rhetoric from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa.. He holds an M.A. in German language & literature from Ohio State University and a B.A. in speech communication & German translation/interpretation from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

At BVU, he served as Director of the Honors Program from 2009-16, during which time participation in the program increased significantly. He has served on various committees and task forces, and most recently chaired the faculty development committee. He is active in the Iowa Communication Association where he served a term on the board from 2011-15 and was honored with that organization's Outstanding New Teacher Award in 2013.

Kampbell studies communication in the public sphere, leadership, religious rhetoric, property rights, and agrarianism. He has taught courses in communication at the University of Regensburg in Germany and remains active in the field of German translation.