District Winners

2026 District 5 Creative of the Year

Nathan Klaus
Graphic Artist
Eastern Iowa Community College District

Tell us about your creative expertise. How have you honed your skills over the years?

I dedicate a lot of my creative energy to imagining the student perspective and anticipating first impressions. I’m especially passionate about creating work that makes students and our broader community feel like they belong. When we create an identity and a sense of place that feels authentic and worth a student’s time, it gives me the creative freedom and motivation to take the work wherever it needs to go. Visiting our campuses with the mindset of a new student helps remind me how we can always become a more welcoming and exciting place to be. 

What's a recent project you’re especially proud of?

While we’ve seen incredible creative growth in our brand within the last year, nothing could make me prouder than seeing our very own mascot grow from an idea to a full-fledged icon beloved by our students and staff. Eddy the Otter has opened so many new creative doors for me as a designer, and I hope he continues to inspire our students and community as intended—that of a unique, curious and ambitious learner who works well with otters.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired every day by my marketing team and their obsessive level of dedication to enriching the student experience. I also have two amazing bosses, Johnna Kerres and Erin Snyder, who endlessly empower and support us so we can bring our best efforts each day. Without their trust in our ideas, so many creative strides could not have been made.

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