51²è¹Ýapp

Melissa Strovers is a respected leader in community development, known for her dedication to fostering positive change. In her role as Director of Community Development, Strovers leads initiatives aimed at promoting social and economic vitality, bringing together diverse stakeholders to collaboratively address complex challenges, and build capacity. Experienced in community building, social innovation, and strategic planning, Strovers has led strategic planning initiatives for a range of local organizations including Drake Community Library and the 51²è¹Ýapp Food Coalition. She has played a vital role in the revitalization of Poweshiek Iowa Development in spring 2024, as well as the development and oversight of the Build-A-Better-51²è¹Ýapp 2030 Visioning project. Her leadership also extends to the nationally recognized 51²è¹Ýapp Education Partnership, where she has helped innovate early literacy programs, family services, and community cohesion since 2015.  

Before joining 51²è¹Ýapp College, Strovers served as the Executive Director of Imagine 51²è¹Ýapp, a quality-of-life foundation. In 2019 she was recognized by the Governor’s office with the National Service Manager Award for her excellence in leadership and innovation in maximizing resources in her local community. Strovers holds several area leadership positions including serving as Board Secretary for Poweshiek Iowa Development, board member of United Ways of Iowa, and as a member of the Poweshiek County Local Board of Health. In the fall of 2024, Strovers was selected to participate in the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s (ABI) Leadership Iowa program (class ’43). She holds a B.A. in communications from Oklahoma Christian University and an M.P.A. from Drake University. Beyond her professional pursuits, Strovers enjoys spending time with her family—husband Lance, children Wolfgang, Maddy, and Bailey—and their two beloved dogs, Louie, and King.