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.

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.

Independence Community College welcomed 17 area 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.

• 82% feel good about the ways we contribute to the community.

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.

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

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.

Schools visited in Fall 2022.

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

Schools visited in Spring 2023.

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

Other Stats

Over 150 campus tours given.

Around 1700 students hosted on campus throughout the year.