Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson told the Business Record today that he plans to remain in the position for another five years. Denson, who has been president since 2003, said he had originally set a goal of retiring within the next year at the age of 66.

But good health, family support and a love of the job has made him rethink that target. Denson is on a rolling 3-year contract with the college, which will not change, he said, but “this is just something I’ve informed the board and anybody who’s asked; that’s just kind of my target (to retire at the age of 70),” he said.

His key goal in the next five years: Help make up the gap in the skilled workforce shortage, and he anticipates continued work with organizations such as the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Workforce Development and community-based organizations.

“I think we’ve just got a lot of the right people at the table, and all wanting to do good things,” Denson said.