Nic Official Changing Course

College changed David Lindsay’s life twice.

The first time, it directed a confused kid into a career rich with opportunities. Twenty years later, it guided a top-level manager to start over.

“I want to be happy,” says David, North Idaho College’s vice president for student services.

In June, he’ll trade his $72,000-a-year job for a college student’s financial insecurity. He’ll leave 25 years in education to pursue a future in, well, education.

“I think I have a gift for working with adolescent kids,” he says. “I want to get back to working with students one on one.”

David studied English literature at the College of Idaho (now Albertson College) in the 1970s with no plans for his future. After graduation, he took a job in the school’s admissions office.

Admissions appealed to him. He promoted the school, recruited students and wrote brochures and scripts for slide shows.

Eighteen months later, Boise State University wooed him to its admissions office. His cheerleader enthusiasm and cover-boy looks were perfect for recruiting.

“It was a tremendous thing. Here’s the university credit card. Here’s a car,” he says. “I’m driving in the autumn of the year in the most beautiful state, telling people how to improve their lives.”

NIC recognized the value of recruiting in 1983 and hired David as its temporary director of admissions.

“They wanted me to sell this place,” he says, laughing. “I looked around at pine trees, a beach and said, `I think I can do this.”’

He did so well that NIC made his job permanent. David climbed the career ladder quickly. By 1987, he was dean of students at NIC and in charge of many of his friends.

“It was a difficult transition,” David says. “I used to sail with employees, hike with them. All that dropped off. Suddenly, I was working with all deans.”

Eighteen months ago, David strolled across campus to refresh himself after a long meeting. He often would relax by taking campus walks and chatting with friends he’d bump into.

This time, no one knew him. He was crushed.

“It got me thinking,” he says.

At 45, David had reached the top of his career at NIC - and still had 20 years until retirement. And his job had changed; student discipline was his responsibility now.

“I spent my whole career getting kids in college, and now I’m kicking them out,” he says. “That’s not what I choose to do.”

Soccer coach Pat Kovatch’s advice surfaced in David’s brain about then. It had come on David’s first day as a volunteer assistant coach of 13-year-old girls.

Pat was busy with a parent when David arrived at the field, so David took the girls for a jog and helped them stretch.

“What are you doing?” Pat asked him after she had finished with the parent.

He introduced himself as her assistant, but she shook her head.

“No, what are you doing with your life?” she said. “You need to be working with kids.”

Pat’s advice moves David to tears now. It gave him courage. He decided to return to college, earn a teaching certificate and teach in secondary schools or college for less than half the salary he earns now.

David agonized over the decision. His daughters, 12 and 15 years old, have college funds. He and his wife, Carol, agreed they could sell their house if money grows tight.

Women tend to praise David’s choice. Men tend to think he’s crazy to walk away from financial security.

But money never was the issue.

“Even if NIC paid me more, it wouldn’t change anything,” David says, gazing at the Spokane River through his office windows. “I want to be driven by my heart.”