Serving the community In July 2011, JCCC was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to a survey conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education. JCCC was recognized as such in three categories: professional/career development programs; facilities, workspaces and security; and job satisfaction. The college was also recognized as a great college to work for in 2009 and 2010. The results are based on a survey of nearly 44,000 employees at 310 colleges and universities. In all, only 111 of the 310 institutions received “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium and large institutions; JCCC is included among the large institutions with 10,000 or more students. In August 2011, JCCC became a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is permitted only in an individual’s car in the parking lot and in two smoking huts behind the Industrial Training Center. For the third year in a row, G.I. Jobs included JCCC in its 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students. JCCC, for example, offers scholarships as well as a veterans services office that works with former military personnel. 6
JCCC president Terry Calaway delivered his annual State of the College presentation in September. His presentation, “Innovation Johnson County,” looked at the college’s aspirations and inspirations. JCCC dedicated its new Olathe Health Education Center (OHEC) in October 2011 with an open house and a ceremony. In December 2008, JCCC and the Olathe Medical Center signed a letter of intent for the development of a health education center on the OMC campus. The medical center donated to JCCC almost six acres of land on which to build such a facility. Construction began in spring 2010. The building opened in August 2011, offering classes in practical nursing, certified nurse assistant, certified medication aide, rehabilitation aide, home health aide, IV therapy for LPNs, medical office and coding, phlebotomy, dietary manager and ECG technician. First responder, anatomy, physiology and general education courses are also offered at OHEC. Medical transcription and radiography technician programs may be developed later. OHEC is JCCC’s first official green building, earning LEED gold status, thanks to, among other things, the use of a geothermal heat pump, low-fume paints and sealants, and recycled building materials. The LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a nationally recognized green building certification system supervised by the U.S. Green Building Council.