Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHC) President and CEO Brian Sims has been elected to the Upper Iowa University (UIU) Board of Trustees.
Sims, FACHE, alumnus and longtime friend of the university, graduated summa cum laude with a major in human resources management and a minor in finance, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in organizational development, at UIU.
“Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University has an amazing history that started with a single vision to make education accessible, a principle still guiding UIU today,” Sims said. “With its primary campus in Fayette, Iowa, Upper Iowa is known for its many center locations on military bases and in cities around the world, and as a recognized innovator in offering online and self-paced programming. Being asked to serve as a UIU Trustee is an honor. As a proud alum, I am humbled beyond words.”
A retired Air Force veteran, Sims achieved the rank of Master Sergeant during his 20 years of service. A distinguished graduate of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy, he served as the Iowa director for recruiting and administered the recruitment of physicians, nurses and allied health professionals. Sims is a recipient of the Air Force Career Counselor of the Year and Air Force Manager of the Year awards.
Prior to coming to GSHCS, Sims was previously employed at Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa, and Knoxville Hospital & Clinics in Knoxville, Iowa.
With over 750 employees and 80 providers, Good Shepherd meets the medical needs of its communities with services not often seen in rural facilities, including a Level III trauma center, medical/surgical, OB/GYN, critical care, rural health clinic, and hospice.
GSHCS employees and their family members benefit from a partnership with Upper Iowa University. As Corporate Advantage Partnership (CAP) program members, Good Shepherd employees, their spouses and dependent children (under the age of 26) are eligible to receive set tuition grants for courses taken at any of Upper Iowa’s U.S. educational centers or through UIU distance education programs. The application fee is also waived for all participants.
Upper Iowa’s unique academic year consists of classes offered during five 8-week sessions and one accelerated six-week summer session. As a result of these more concentrated sessions, students usually take just two-three courses at a time to graduate on schedule. Many students blend their degree plan by taking in-person, online and hybrid (both face-to-face and online) courses.
Students get a jump on completion by easily transferring in up to 90 college credits from other schools. Up to 12 credits can also be transferred at the graduate level. Credits may also be earned through an individual’s work experience through an experiential learning portfolio or various college examinations.
“UIU’s CAP program is another example of how the University succeeds in helping learners of all ages achieve their educational dreams,” said Sims. “I am so proud that Good Shepherd Health Care System is a partner with the University’s Corporate Advantage Program. With over 60 CAP members, Upper Iowa assists these and all other students to gain the knowledge and education they need to excel in their careers, but also do so in an affordable way.”
Corporations interested in participating in UIU’s Corporate Advantage Program should contact Upper Iowa University by e-mail at info@uiu.edu.
