Northeast Iowa Community College signs residential campus agreement with Luther College
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
A new partnership will offer housing options for NICC students on the Luther campus. Pictured are Amy Gaffney, VP of Student Services at NICC, NICC Interim President Dave Dahms, Luther College President Brad Chamberlain and Bob Palmer, Director of Campus Safety at Luther College.
DECORAH, Iowa—Starting in fall 2025, a groundbreaking new partnership between Luther College and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) will offer NICC students the opportunity to live on Luther’s vibrant campus. This innovative residential collaboration opens the door to a fuller, more connected college experience for NICC students while addressing housing needs and strengthening ties between two of northeast Iowa’s leading institutions of higher education.
Under the agreement, a cohort of 20 to 50 NICC students enrolled at the NICC Calmar campus will have the opportunity to reside on the third floor of Luther College’s Larsen Hall. As official campus residents, NICC students will be able to purchase meal plans—including access to Luther’s full-service cafeteria and convenient on-the-go dining options—and utilize a wide range of campus amenities such as the Regents Center fitness facilities and the academic resources of Preus Library.
This housing partnership offers a significant advantage to students who travel from outside the immediate area to attend NICC. It is particularly beneficial for student-athletes and those enrolled in specialized and unique academic programs at NICC that attract individuals from across the state, the region and country. Additional housing options near campus provide these students with a stable and supportive living environment that fosters both personal and academic growth.
NICC is already taking steps to prepare students for the transition. The College is working to arrange and coordinate an option for new students and their families to tour Luther when they come to New Student Orientation.
“We’re excited to launch this innovative partnership with Luther College, which will provide housing opportunities that enhance the overall college experience for NICC students,” said NICC Interim President Dave Dahms. “This collaboration supports and enhances our students' academic and personal growth while building a stronger bridge between two outstanding institutions. Our partnerships with four-year colleges like Luther College are a key part of our commitment to student success and opportunity.”
NICC Vice President of Student Services Amy Gaffney echoed the enthusiasm for the new arrangement.
“I couldn't be more excited about this partnership with Luther College! The opportunity for our NICC students to access Luther's on-campus housing is a game-changer. I am incredibly hopeful that this will not only alleviate the housing concerns many prospective Calmar students face but, even more importantly, provide a vibrant and enriching college living experience that perfectly complements their robust academic pursuits. We believe this immersive environment will foster their personal and academic development throughout their college journey.”
NICC students living on the Luther campus will be expected to follow both the NICC student code of conduct and Luther’s residential tenant expectations, ensuring a shared standard for a respectful and positive community.
This partnership represents a bold step forward in cooperative higher education in northeast Iowa, designed to broaden student support, increase access to resources and foster stronger regional connections.
For more information on the Luther College housing partnership, as well as housing options available near NICC locations, visit nicc.edu/housing.