A Legacy of Service: Roger Nissly Receives ECC Honorary Doctorate
Roger Nissly sits where legacy and hard work still share the same office.
IOWA FALLS – Ellsworth Community College is proud to announce Roger Nissly as the recipient of this years Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his decades of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to the college and the Iowa Falls community.
A lifelong Iowa Falls resident, Nissly has served on the Ellsworth College Foundation Board since the early 1980s and currently serves as the vice president. Over the years, he has played a key role in supporting the growth and success of the college through capital campaigns, scholarship support, and long-term stewardship of the foundation’s mission.
“Roger’s impact on Ellsworth Community College spans generations”, said Barb Klein, provost of Ellsworth Community College. “His leadership, generosity, and belief in the power of education have helped shaped the college into what it is today. We are incredibly grateful for his continued dedication and are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor.”
Nissly became involved with the foundation shortly after returning to Iowa Falls in 1979 to join his father’s accounting firm. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, Nissly built a career rooted in service and community leadership, while his wife, Cindy, began her educational journey at Ellsworth Community College. Though their paths looked different, both experiences shaped their belief in the importance of educational opportunity. What began as helping with the foundation’s bookkeeping soon grew into a lifelong commitment to Ellsworth and its students.
Roger continues to work alongside his brother, Mike Nissly, in the family business after more than four decades together, and Cindy worked alongside the firm for 40 years. Together, they have remained active in the Iowa Falls community while raising two children and welcoming five grandchildren.
During his service to the Ellsworth College Foundation, Nissly has witnessed and helped lead multiple successful capital campaigns that transformed the campus and expanded opportunities for students.
“One of the most rewarding things has been seeing how this community continually steps up to support the college,” Nissly said. “Every campaign has met its goals because people believe in what Ellsworth means to students and to this community.”
In addition to his leadership with the foundation, Nissly and his family established scholarship support for students attending Ellsworth Community College. His commitment to service extends throughout the Iowa Falls community, including 14 years on the Iowa Falls City Council, leadership with the Iowa Falls Economic Area Development Corporation, and nearly five decades as a member of Rotary.
Nissly said one of the most meaningful parts of his involvement with Ellsworth has been watching students find opportunities and direction through the college.
“Education opens doors,” Nissly said. “Not every student’s path looks the same, and that’s what makes community colleges so important. Ellsworth gives students opportunities to discover what’s next for them and build meaningful futures.”
Nissly will be recognized during commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 15, in Dittmer Gym, but he says his connection to the college is far from over. After more than 40 years of service to the foundation and the community, he plans to continue supporting Ellsworth for as long as he can.
“We’ve always had people who care deeply about the college,” Nissly said. “There’s a real team mentality, and I feel confident the future will continue to remain in great hands.”
Ellsworth Community College is proud to recognize Roger Nissly for a lifetime of leadership, generosity, and dedication to students, the college, and the Iowa Falls community.