Home Official News Releases Hubbell Elected Chair of Drake Governing Board

Hubbell Elected Chair of Drake Governing Board

News Photo

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, 515-271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu


The distinguished Hubbell name invokes all the hallmarks of a generous family deeply committed to the growth of the community. James W. Hubbell III, chairman of Hubbell Realty Co., continues his family’s legacy as the newly elected chair of the Drake University Board of Trustees. 


Hubbell, who was first elected to the Board of Trustees in 1984, is serving a three-year term as chair. He is joined by newly elected members Roger K. Brooks, Peggy Fisher and William C. Knapp II. Brooks, of Des Moines, is a 1959 Drake alumnus and the retired chairman and CEO of AmerUs Group. Fisher, also of Des Moines, is a 1970 Drake alumna and the COO of Stelter Co. Knapp, of West Des Moines, is a 1976 Drake alumnus and the CEO of Knapp Properties.


William W. Drury Jr., a 1973 alumnus and attorney at Renaud Cook Drury Mesaros PA, Phoenix, Ariz., also has joined the board, serving in an ex-officio capacity as the president of the Drake National Alumni Association.


In addition, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution this fall to appoint William C. Knapp, chairman emeritus of Knapp Properties, as a trustee emeritus. The appointment demonstrated Drake’s gratitude for his 30 years of service on the board and countless acts of generosity, including his philanthropic donations to the University as well as the community.


As chair, Hubbell’s goals include building a stronger endowment with a focus on the funds available for student financial assistance and new dollars for faculty and staff salaries.


“I don’t think the campus has ever looked better,” Hubbell said. “Drake has many challenges ahead, but we have a support group ready, willing and able to help us meet those challenges. Our students, faculty and staff, alumni, trustees as well as the entire Des Moines and Iowa communities are behind us.”


Born and raised in Des Moines, Hubbell has led Hubbell Realty Co. for more than 20 years as the company’s president. He currently also serves on the boards of the Iowa Health System and the Central Iowa Health System. 


Drake University’s Board of Trustees meets four times yearly and serves as the University’s policy-making and governing body.