Mike Degen Joins Board of Trustees

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Mike Degen

STORM LAKE, IA (02/17/2017) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) has announced that Mike Degen of Eden Prairie, Minn. has been elected to its Board of Trustees.

Degen is the retired chairman, president and CEO of Nortech Systems, a publicly traded electronics contract manufacturer. He has over 45 years of experience spanning multiple industries and companies, including Honeywell International Inc. and The Toro Company. Over the course of his career, Degen specialized in strategic planning, supply chain management, operational excellence and organizational development.

Degen is a 1967 BVU graduate with degrees in accounting and business management. He went on to receive his master's degree in business administration at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management in 1983.

"I have been blessed with a long and successful business career and an abundant personal life," said Degen. "I view this as an opportunity to give back to an institution that played a large part in that success."

Degen has served on the BVU President's Advisory Council (PAC) since 2011. He is also active in other commitments and community service, including serving as a board member of Loaves & Fishes, a non-profit organization that works to end hunger in Minnesota by providing free meals to those in need. Degen has also served as a member of his church's Lay Leadership Council.

"Mike Degen is a proud BV alum who has enjoyed a long and successful business career in a variety of executive roles. He has also served on the PAC. His business acumen and love for his alma mater will make him an outstanding trustee," added BVU President Fred Moore.

Degen's wife, Ruth, is a retired account manager for Orade Corporation. Degen has three adult children, Molly, Elizabeth and Stacy, who all work and reside in Minnesota. In addition to spending time with his wife and family, Degen enjoys traveling, golfing, fishing, snow skiing and bird hunting.

About Buena Vista University

Celebrating 125 years of service.

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. BVU is an affordable option for all students and, combined with its academic programs, has led U.S. News & World Report to rank BVU as the third best value school among Midwest Regional Colleges. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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