Strategic Plan Update Year 4

Strategic Plan Update Year Four (2022-2023)

ICC Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees members are elected by the Montgomery County voters within the college taxing district as authorized by Kansas Statutes.

Chair Dr. Cynthia Sherwood, DDS Trustees Valorie DeFever John Eubanks Jeri Hammerschmidt Patricia Snyder Spencer Weaver

ICC Executive Leadership President Dr. Vincent Bowhay Executive Assistant & Board Clerk Cherie Stockton Vice President for Academic Affairs Taylor Crawshaw Vice President for Administration & Finance Dr. Jonathan Sadoo Vice President for Human Resources Lori Boots Vice President for Student Affairs David Adams Chief Marketing Officer Kris Ferguson Executive Director for ICC Foundation Bryce Saia | @IndependenceICC

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 4 AcademicExcellence 6 Endowment 8 Enrollment 10 CommunityEngagement Priorities 13 Administrative 2022-2023

Mission

Our mission statement, “Independence Community College serves the best interests of students and the community by providing academic excellence while promoting cultural enrichment and economic development” shows that ICC is a student and community centered institution.

The mission statement guides our college’s decisions and actions. We work to help our students realize a college education as a transformative experience in their professional and personal lives and for the betterment of the Independence community. To those ends, the aim of our strategic plan is to reinforce ICC’s mission by enhancing learning environments, strengthening existing programs, and creating new initiatives so that our college can better support and serve our students, our community, and our state.

Vision

Vision entails the ability to both look and plan forward—to recognize what is now, to see what is immediately ahead, and to create what will become the future.

Our vision statement is our commitment to inspiration: To be a community college that provides an exceptional educational experience by cultivating intellect, encouraging creativity, and enhancing character in a student and community centered environment.

Core Values Core values are unwavering principles that guide an organization’s internal conduct as well as its relationship with the outside world. These values declare what is held sacred to Independence Community College: Integrity: ICC holds its employees and students accountable to be honest, ethical, and transparent.

Excellence: ICC demonstrates continuous quality improvement in academics and services offered to students and other stakeholders.

Responsiveness: ICC looks to the future by responding to the emerging needs of its stakeholders.

Diversity/Enrichment: ICC provides an environment that values uniqueness while promoting personal growth through creativity and innovation.

Commitment: ICC commits to making decisions that best serve its students and community.

Purpose In striving to meet its institutional responsibilities as a community college, Independence Community College sets forth the following purpose statements in definition of its educational programs and services. These statements also serve as criteria for the administration, faculty, staff, students, and the public in assessing the College's effectiveness in meeting its institutional mission and accomplishing the strategic plan.

Access the ICC Strategic Plan landing page.

Yearly Strategic Plan Update In this year's annual report, we highlight the strategic plan's crucial role in advancing the College's academics, enrollment, endowment, and community engagement goals.

The strategic plan was adopted by the Board of Trustees at their May 2019 meeting.

As a native Kansan, I am frequently asked about Dorothy Gales and the Wizard of Oz. Recently, I’ve begun to reflect on the significance of her experience. When her house was picked up by a tornado, her life began flashing outside the window in front of her. Her house and everything in it, including Dorothy, appeared not to move – but when the chaos was over, she found herself in a strange new land called Oz. When we experience chaos, it can feel like the world around us is swirling out of control. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a myriad of challenges for our campus, our students, and our community. While the chaos of the world swirled around our window, Independence Community College held firm – guided by our strategic plan. Progress continues to be made as we land in a new post-pandemic world.

Independence Community College is moving forward, maintaining our role as the destination of choice for a quality education, while making concerted efforts to forge new and deeper connections with our community and our students. The College remains committed and qualified to providing programs of distinction for our students.

We remain eternally grateful for the generosity of our Pirate family.

Your continued support enables the College to launch new and exciting academic programs, co-curricular events, and superior athletic experiences. Thank you for being a member of the Pirate family!

Sincerely,

Dr. Vincent Bowhay President

4

Academic Excellence Academic Excellence opportunities have been focused through Key Initiatives 1 & 2 Develop and deliver distinctive and high-quality academic, entrepreneurial, fine arts, athletics, and cultural programming that makes ICC a destination for students globally.

Develop clear pathways to 4-year transfer and workforce readiness through college degree or certificate completion.

ICC announced a new transfer agreement with the 20 independent colleges in Kansas guaranteeing students earning a two-year diploma at ICC will be able to enroll as a junior at one of the private colleges or universities in Kansas.

The College partnered with Baker University to develop a new pathway program. The program provides a strategic transition between ICC’s associate degree in business administration and Baker’s bachelor’s degree in business administration. After earning an associate degree at ICC, students can finish their bachelor’s degree through Baker in as little as two years.

The College launched a new Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT), which will actively contribute to enhancing training for future manufacturing industry technicians.

The Welding program at ICC was re-established during the Spring 2023 semester.

The College, in partnership with the William Inge Festival Foundation, hosted the 40th William Inge Theatre Festival. This special anniversary festival honored the legacy of William Inge.

This year, the college created a partnership between Fab Lab ICC and USD #446 Kids Crew offering regular Fab Lab activities to Kids Crew Participants. This program started November 2022 and is ongoing.

Implement plans for recruitment and retention of quality employees.

Increase faculty and staff development opportunities and support. Create development programs, including leadership and expertise training.

The Veteran Student Success Center established the Veteran Student Services Providers Symposium. Twenty representatives from eight area Kansas colleges and four veteran service agencies participated in the event, which was designed to provide professional development for staff who work directly with veteran students.

The Rural Outreach Education Department brought mental health champion and motivational speaker Damon Parker to Independence. Students from 14 area high schools and ICC faculty and staff attended this free event designed to promote healthy mental health outcomes for students and staff.

The Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development Grant is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Fab Lab ICC held an open house on November 15, 2022, to invite the campus and community to experience “the Midwest’s biggest small-town maker space.”

Other Newly Established Academic Partnerships Kansas State University Established Education Pathway in August 2022

Arizona State University Established a General Education Agreement in February 2023.

Independence Community College is excited to be designated a 2022-2023 Great Place to Work.

Highlights from the survey include: • 90% believe their work has special meaning and is not “just a job.”

• 85% feel a sense of pride when they look at what the College has accomplished.

• 82% feel good about the ways we contribute to the Independence Community College welcomed 17 area community.

4-year institutions for the 2022 Transfer Fair on Thursday, September 8th. The event allows ICC students to interact directly with university/college representatives, offering exposure to possible transfer destinations they may not have previously considered.

6

Endowment Ensure ICC performs in a socially and fiscally responsible manner through the creation of a dedicated, detailed funding plan and unique revenue streams to meet college needs and capital improvement projects. Also, working together with the ICC Foundation, substantially increase traditional fundraising and develop a more comprehensive alumni association and network.

Endowment opportunities have been focused through Key Initiative 6.

Newly Endowed Funds

Numerous donors, in collaboration with the Independence Community College Foundation, established 19 new endowed funds. The 19 scholarships established from these funds will recognize excellence in academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, workforce development, and athletic competition.

In spring 2023, the College announced the naming of the FirstOak Bank & Oakes Family Field House in honor of their lead gift as a part of the Field House NEXT campaign. This $1.5 million campaign will help to update the Field House, which was last renovated in 1987.

The College honored two Professors Emeriti and one Distinguished Alum during the President’s Luncheon.

Independence Community College was awarded a $2.125 million federal grant to help aid in student success across campus. The dollars were awarded through the U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant, which aims to strengthen institutional systems that support students throughout their academic career.

ICC will receive the funds over the next five years, which will be used to expand student support services in the classroom and launch new technological platforms that support students from admission to graduation.

With only six months available in 2022 to use State of Kansas 60-40 tax credits, ICC supporters used more than $230,000 in tax credits by the end of the year.

8

Enrollment Enrollment during the 2021-2022 academic year consisted of evaluation and restructuring to create a consistent identity within area high schools. Recruiting staff worked at establishing personal relationships and reconnecting with high school counselors and support staff.

Enrollment opportunities have been focused through Key Initiatives 4 and 5.

Develop college outreach and promotions to maximize awareness of ICC through clear initiatives and additional strategic recruitment to grow enrollment and establish ICC’s identity and brand.

Increased efforts in recruiting.

The college made an effort to increase high school visits throughout the year and host more students on campus.

The following metrics were pulled from July 2022 through May 2023.

OTHER STATS Schools visited in Fall 2022.

Schools visited in Spring 2023.

These schools were primarily in the state of Kansas. These schools include the College Planning Conference schedule.

These schools were primarily in the state of Kansas. ICC recruiting focused on building better relationships with Kansas high schools and counselors.

Over 150 campus tours given.

Around 1700 students hosted on campus throughout the year.

ON CAMPUS ADMISSIONS & RECRUITING EVENTS Foster Family Open House

An event developed around families and youth with foster care backgrounds or staff who help students with foster care backgrounds. The event featured topics such as financial aid, college preparation, The Independent Living Program, and Student Support Services.

Event Held: April 26, 2023

Veterinary Nursing Day Event Held: April 21, 2023

Cosmetology Day Event Held: April 3, 2023

Both of these program-specific events extended invitations to students who possess a particular interest in the respective program. These events offered hands-on experiences, demonstrations, and the valuable opportunity to engage in conversations with current students and program directors.

Theatre Student Matinee Performances These theatre performances were offered as a student matinee performance allowing area high schoolers to see the performance and have the chance to ask questions to the cast, crew and director.

Events Hosted 1118 students on campus

Junior/Senior Day Over 80 area high school students met with current faculty, explored financial aid options and learned more about student life on campus.

Event Held: October 21, 2023

Fall Arts Day Students looking to major in a Fine Arts major were able to take specialized workshops and work with program directors.

Event Held: December 2, 2022

Price is Right: Financial Literacy Event High school students are invited to learn about college and personal finances in a fun and interactive format.

Event Held: April 28, 2023

The Recruiting and Admissions Office continues to use in the current recruiting strategy.

Appreciation Brunch for High School Counselors ICC played host to administrators, counselors and student support staff from area high schools Friday, January 27, 2023, during the ICC Appreciation Brunch.

10

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Through Community Engagement, the College continues to find opportunities that not only benefit our students, but also serve many needs in the community. In laying the foundation for Community Engagement to thrive, ICC has made a Commitment (one of the Core Values) to make decisions that best serve our students and community.

Engagement opportunities have been focused through Key Initiatives 3 & 4.

Engage the service area community by development/redevelopment of collaborative partnerships and training programs that offer value to our students, our college and the community we serve.

ICC has a consistent presence at the First Friday Event organized by the Independence Chamber of Commerce. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity for over 100 community leaders to stay informed about the latest campus events and news.

In partnership with the Independence Chamber of Commerce, the Pirates organized a memorable Movie Night at Riverside Park. This fantastic event brought together more than 200 students and community members, who had a wonderful time engaging in games and watching a captivating film in unison.

Over two-hundred students, faculty and staff participated in Love Independence, a day of community service. Students, faculty and staff provided service in the form of cleaning up sections around town.

The college invited area groups to perform during halftime during the women’s and men’s basketball games.

INTERNATIONAL FLAG DAY ICC Student Life welcomed the public to a Flag Day Ceremony on the ICC Main Campus on Wednesday, November 16. Keynote Ayanna Hensley, Miss Kansas 2022, opened the ceremony.

Develop college outreach and promotions to maximize awareness of ICC through clear initiatives and additional strategic recruitment to grow enrollment and establish ICC’s identity and brand.

ICC announced the First-Generation Family of the Year.

Through a nomination process, the Sanchez family was selected as providing unwavering support to ICC graduate, David Sanchez.

Announced: November 12, 2022

After a generous donation from Walmart, ICC students recognized that many donated items could benefit children in the Independence community. Students spent several weeks, sorting clothes into gift bags that can be given to any student needing a change of clothes.

3

Community

Camps/Clinics

Community Concerts

1

Ribbon

Cutting

Career Fairs

Increased Social Media Efforts Facebook was the chosen platform to reach community, donors, faculty and staff.

The following metrics were pulled from July 2022 through May 2023.

175,023 Total 22,894 New Visits

Total Reach for the Year 2.2% Increase Page Visits 92.5% Increase

12

Community Engagement Continued

The ICC Rural Outreach Education Department brought in Damon Parker, a mental health champion and motivational speaker to Independence Memorial Hall on February 8. Parker challenges audiences with a new way of thinking, providing the blueprint that associations, teachers, and students need to see an immediate improvement in their culture and overall productivity.

Johnson Wins MLK Jr. Drum Major Award ICC hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Awards Luncheon on February 10. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals who consistently go above and beyond to serve others but are seldom recognized for their work. The award is presented to one ICC student, one ICC employee, and one Independence, KS, community member.

College Participates in Community Service Pirates from various activities and departments across campus did community service as part of the city wide Love Independence Day on April 29th.

Women’s Basketball Helps at Trunk-or-Treat On October 31st, the ICC Basketball program participated in Trunk-or-Treat hosted by the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

Administrative Goals President Bowhay, along with his Administrative Team, developed the following priorities for the academic year after reviewing trends in local, state, and national data, as well as the current strategic plan. The College is re-orientating itself for growth throughout the academic year. Independence Community College has partnered with Architect One, Inc. to develop a new 15-year campus facilities master plan. Additionally, the College continues to look for new ways to engage our local community and industry partners in everything we do. Finally, the College will continue to examine the student experience to ensure we are delivering a high-quality academic experience partnered with robust co-curricular offerings. Administrative Team members will continue to encourage all areas to adopt these key College-level priorities for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Priority 1:

Priority 4:

Build an institutional understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Improve our infrastructure.

Independence Community College is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community. To accomplish this, the College must recruit, retain, and support a more diverse community. Further, the College is committed to removing any systematic barriers to student and employee success.

Priority 2: Increase enrollment.

Independence Community College is committed to aligning services, resources, and programs to achieve optimal enrollment levels and support students in realizing their educational, personal, and professional goals.

Priority 3: Grow our academic programming.

Independence Community College will continue to be the destination of choice for a quality education in Southeast Kansas and beyond.

Independence Community College is committed to providing sustainable, safe, and attractive facilities conducive to student learning and employee engagement.

Priority 5: Enhance our technology.

Independence Community College strategically plans for upgrades to, and the replacement of, campus technology that supports student success and institutional effectiveness.

DN T SA V E T EFR AO N S US TN UDE U CTC E SI S O S E RNV I C E S

The transformation of Independence Community College, as guided by the College’s strategic plan, is a work in progress. This report focuses on recent initiatives in each of the four pillars that the plan identified as opportunities to strengthen the College. Many other initiatives are happening across campus and in our community. These advancements would not be possible without the support of our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The administration and trustees are grateful for your role in bringing Independence Community College into even greater national and international prominence.

ICC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, tenure, disability or any other factors that cannot be lawfully considered in its programs and activities as required by all applicable laws and regulations, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.

ICC offers Career and Technical Education programs in Business, Computer and Office Technology, Cosmetology, Early Childhood Education, Veterinary Nursing, Health Sciences, Welding and has an open access policy, with program admission based upon the completion of applicable course/testing prerequisites. Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in CTE programs.