Editorials
Mastering The Art of the Pivot
April 15, 2020
By Dr. Kristie Fisher As you know, our world changed in the blink of an eye. We went from classes, social events and family gatherings to staying home whenever possible. As a society, we learned about the importance of social distancing in order to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. We had…
The value of community college athletics
March 25, 2020
By John Kriebs An excellent athletic department can provide a town enjoyment with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Marshalltown Community College already has a strong administration in place, coaches who want to be here, and facilities that are on par with our competition. This makes the recruitment of students and student-athletes to MCC possible….
2020 HS seniors/parents saving $1.5 million!
February 11, 2020
By MaryAnne Nickle Over the last year, IVCCD has had the opportunity to share with numerous community groups how proud we are of our concurrent enrollment students (high schoolers earning college credit) and our partnerships with school districts across the region. It has been exciting each spring to tally up the number of area seniors…
The art of educating everyone
January 22, 2020
By Julie Thomas The January – August 2020 EdVenture, Iowa Valley Continuing Education’s class schedule, was recently mailed and distributed to communities across the Iowa Valley service area. Registration is now in full swing for a multitude of courses that range from short-term career training to dancing or estate planning, and everything in between! Those…
IVCCD’s accreditation process & next steps
January 2, 2020
By Dr. Lisa Breja & Mark Monroe Continued accreditation is required for colleges to keep their doors open and offer classes to students. The process of accreditation means that an institution undergoes regular reviews and meets or exceeds minimum standards of quality. Continued accreditation also allows colleges to receive federal and state financial aid, which…
Life-changing adult literacy
December 2, 2019
By Ricarda Drummer & Kathy Siebring Improving the level of adult literacy in our area is one of the main aspirations of the staff at the Iowa Valley Education & Training Center (ETC). With locations in Marshalltown, Tama, Grinnell, Iowa Falls, and Eldora (in the State Training School), more than 400 students were served at…
IVCCD asks voters to re-consider $32 million bond issue
October 29, 2019
By Dr. Kristie Fisher Last spring after interviewing for the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Chancellor role, my husband and I drove back to Solon impressed with the people and communities we had visited. The drive included a conversation about the April bond referendum and the extensive facility study that served as the foundation…
Honors Programs: What are you capable of accomplishing?
October 10, 2019
By Dr. Danielle Kness Community Colleges have always been a haven for education by providing opportunities for all those who strive to continue their learning, start a new career, or continue their path toward a new life. Sometimes perceived as a second choice for high achieving students, community colleges across the country are redefining that…
The Four P’s
September 17, 2019
By Jacque Goodman It seems like just yesterday when the tornado ripped through Marshalltown last summer, affecting so many lives and local businesses in the area and surrounding communities. People driving through town today can still see the devastation, and local residents and businesses are constantly reminded of it. At the same time, amazing progress…
Reflections as MCC’s May 10 graduation approaches
May 7, 2019
By George Johnson Even though I’ve taught for 32 years at Marshalltown Community College, I still get emotional about one of the greatest events in any student’s life: Graduation. That night, graduates march in and the memories begin. They cross the stage all smiles for family and friends, and as the emotions flow, so do…