BVU, City of Fort Dodge Bond Through Strategic Partnership
Collaboration with Buena Vista University broadens educational benefits for City of Fort Dodge employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and the City of Fort Dodge have aligned as Strategic Partners, investing in and strengthening the communities both entities serve.
This partnership allows for employees of the City of Fort Dodge, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“The City of Fort Dodge is excited to announce a Strategic Partnership with Buena Vista University that includes a tuition discount program for our dedicated employees and their family members,” says City of Fort Dodge Human Resources Director Jamie Anderson. “This initiative highlights our dedication to supporting our workforce’s educational and professional development, while also extending its benefits to the broader community.”
“Buena Vista University’s collaborative efforts in making higher education more accessible and affordable are deeply appreciated. This program is expected to have many positive outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, retention, and development. Additionally, it supports our vision of nurturing a community where everyone can develop their skills and achieve their full potential.”
City of Fort Dodge Human Resources Director Jamie Anderson
The City of Fort Dodge, located in north central Iowa, is home to more than 24,000 residents. Situated along the rolling hills of the Des Moines River, it serves as the county seat for Webster County and a major commercial and industrial center for the region. Today, it continues to grow into a vibrant community that blends small-town charm with modern amenities. As a local government entity, the City of Fort Dodge provides a variety of services to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors to the area.
“Buena Vista University’s collaborative efforts in making higher education more accessible and affordable are deeply appreciated. This program is expected to have many positive outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, retention, and development. Additionally, it supports our vision of nurturing a community where everyone can develop their skills and achieve their full potential,” says Anderson. “We believe that investing in educational opportunities for our staff and their families is investing in the long-term success of our city. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our employees, their families, and the broader community.”
“Attending Buena Vista University while working full time was not always easy, but it taught me how to prioritize, manage time wisely, and adapt to challenges with resilience,” says City of Fort Dodge Human Resources Specialist Stephanie Evenson ’16. “It is not just about earning a degree; it is about cultivating a mindset that adapts to change and thrives in an ever-changing world. BVU’s flexible class options make it possible to obtain an education to create a better future for yourself.”
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Fort Dodge, home to Iowa Central Community College, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through Iowa Central can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising right in Fort Dodge through BVU’s office on the Iowa Central campus.
“Buena Vista University is thrilled to welcome the City of Fort Dodge—a community focused on stimulating economic development and adding value to the quality of life for its citizens, partners, and investors—as a Strategic Partner,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “Strengthening communities begins with access to quality and affordable education, so we are eager to witness the opportunities created for City of Fort Dodge employees and their eligible family members through this collaboration.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.