EICC Chancellor

Liang Chee Wee, PhD., is a seasoned figure in higher education who comes to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges with 35 years of experience changing lives and building communities. Wee most recently served as President of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). The college serves eight counties and operates campuses in Calamar and Peosta, and service centers across the district.  

Wee retired in 2022 after serving in the top leadership role for 11 years, during which the college celebrated a successful $10 million capital campaign and the passage of a $39 million bond referendum. Prior to that appointment, Wee served four years as Provost of NICC’s Calamar campus.  

During his tenure, Wee focused on establishing partnerships dedicated to expanding educational access for learners of all backgrounds, promoting economic growth for businesses, and boosting community vitality in northeastern Iowa. 

Wee arrived in the U.S. on July 4, 1983, after serving in the Singapore Armed Forces. He grew up in a rural village in Singapore. “My mom never went to school because her family was poor. My father completed the equivalent of high school and had to work to support the family. But both ensured that their two sons would receive more education than they did,” he said.  

“We were first-generation students and I identify with those students served by community colleges. Everyone deserves an opportunity. Everyone has abilities. We do life together.” 

Wee attended the University of Arizona, earning a PhD and an MBA in Business Administration from the Karl Eller Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems. He moved to Iowa in 1992 to work at Luther College. In his 15 years with the college, he held many successive roles including Professor, Department Chair, Registrar, and Associate Dean. 

Wee’s commitment to higher education, students, and the greater community is widely recognized. He currently serves on the board for MercyOne, Freedom Bank, and is Resident President for the Iowa Community College Leadership Institute, hosted by the Community College Leadership Consortium, Iowa State University. He has authored and published 23 peer reviewed papers; frequently serves as a keynote speaker, presenter, panelist, and facilitator at various events; and has been recognized with many professional awards and honors for his leadership. 

Wee’s leadership style is one of curiosity, generosity, humility, collaboration, and gratitude. “I look forward to collaborating with our EICC colleagues and friends to continue to improve lives, support our business and K-12 partners, and contribute to the vitality of our communities,” he said.