IVCCD News and Events

IVCCD Board recognized for service

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:19:10 -0500

"School Boards: Building Brighter Futures" is the theme of Iowa's School Board Recognition Month, being celebrated this month statewide. Serving on the Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors are Larry Johnson of Iowa Falls (District 1); Deb Crosser of Eldora (District 2); Delbert Kellogg of Marshalltown (District 3); Deborah Jones of Clemons (District 4); Conrad Dejardin of Marshalltown (District 5); Yvonne Mallory of Toledo (District 6); and Paul Pohlson of Grinnell (District 7).

IVCCD Board approves re-districting plan

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:08:57 -0500

The IVCCD Board of Directors became the first Iowa community college board to approve redistricting plans as mandated by the Iowa Code to reflect changes in population. The redistricting involves changes to all but one of Iowa Valley's seven director districts. The newly-approved director district parameters are detailed on the District's website at http://www.iavalley.edu/district/administration.html.

IVCCD looks ahead with an expectation of excellence

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:04:54 -0500

In May 2010, I wrote an Inside Education editorial explaining how Iowa Valley would chart the course for the next three years with a new strategic agenda for the College. I noted that the faculty, staff and administration would focus on improving our accountability of how the institution's work systems and processes related to our vision, mission, core values, and strategic planning.

Iowa Valley responds to needs through "Business To You" series

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:57:17 -0500

It all started when the Business Improvement Committee (BIC) of the Iowa Falls Chamber/Main Street had the idea and desire to bring more business-related topics/programs to Hardin County. The group reached out to Iowa Valley Continuing Education as a training partner and, in response, the "Business To You" Series was created and successfully launched.

Iowa Valley Board hires architect for MCC renovation

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:30:19 -0500

The IVCCD Board of Directors approved an agreement with Haila Architecture of Ames for a renovation of the Marshalltown Community College/Iowa Valley campus instructional areas involving the Health Occupations and Advanced Manufacturing programs. MCC Provost Robin Shaffer-Lilienthal said a timeline and more detailed plans for the construction will be presented this fall.

IVCCD moves forward with Internationalization Plan

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:31:14 -0500

Over the past several months, Iowa Valley Community College District has been exploring new ways to further its internationalization efforts to benefit Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Marshalltown Community College, and Iowa Valley Grinnell. An Internationalization Task Force, consisting of faculty, administration and staff from all campuses, has drafted a Comprehensive Internationalization Plan with strategies to enhance the international education opportunities for students. The plan includes developing education abroad opportunities for students and exchange opportunities for faculty, increasing the presence of international students and underrepresented minority students on the campuses, promoting cultural competency, and building a supportive and inclusive climate in which all faculty, staff, and students can thrive.

MCC grows STEM academic programs

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:41:52 -0500

For many of us spring means an urge to push aside the dreary winter days by looking forward to gardening. In addition to perusing seed catalogs and visiting garden centers, we also begin clearing debris from flower beds, trimming trees, and inspecting plant stems for new growth.

IVCCD Board presents initial collective bargaining position

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:14:17 -0500

Members of the Iowa Valley Community College District administration, representing the IVCCD Board of Directors in contract negotiations with faculty members of the Iowa Valley Community College Education Association (Ellsworth Community College, Marshalltown Community College and Iowa Valley Grinnell), presented their opening position in response to the faculty association's initial collective bargaining proposal on Wednesday afternoon, March 27.

Iowa Valley Board again reduces local property tax rate

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:02:08 -0500

The IVCCD Board of Directors held a public hearing and then approved a 2013-14 estimated certified budget, lowering the local property tax asking for area residents for the fourth consecutive year. Chief Financial Officer Kathy Pink explained that the estimated budget sets the levy rate, which dictates the local taxpayer support for the local community college district. Iowa Valley's levy rate will lower the tax rate for local property owners 8 cents, from $1.88711 per $1,000 valuation to $1.80616.

IVCCD: Committed to fiscal sustainability through energy conservation

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:50:55 -0500

In 2010, Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) developed a new strategic agenda to guide and direct decision-making for the next three years. Six over-arching goals were established and viewed as critical to the ongoing success of the institution. In particular, Goal 6 addressed the need to "Maintain fiscal sustainability through increased accountability and transparency." The associated objective was stated: "To optimize revenues and manage expenditures effectively."

IVCCEA presents initial collective bargaining request

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:29:58 -0600

Members of the Iowa Valley Community College District Education Association (IVCCEA), representing the faculty members of Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College, presented their initial collective bargaining position to representatives of the IVCCD Board of Directors' negotiating team on Friday afternoon, March 8.

Machine Operator Training is a successful training partnership

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:08:39 -0600

One of my favorite sayings is the African proverb "it takes a whole village to raise a child," a philosophy that's been widely adopted by the education sector. In working with area businesses and industries, I have come to believe it takes a whole community to develop the partnerships necessary for great training programs. One great example of a community working together is the Machine Operator Training Program (MOTP) through Fisher-Emerson that has been in operation for more than 10 years.

Iowa Valley Board approves new Gunsmith Technology program

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:47:08 -0600

The IVCCD Board of Directors approved a new Gunsmith Technology program that will be offered this fall at the Iowa Valley Grinnell campus when it met this month. MaryAnne Nickle, Dean of IVG, explained that the program has been under development for the past year, and that it will meet the needs of Poweshiek County employer Brownell's in Montezuma, among others.

Free help available for College Financial Aid

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:42:18 -0600

Iowa students and families can get free assistance with forms required for federal financial aid at Iowa College Goal Sunday, held this month in 29 Iowa cities. Locally, the event will be hosted at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 3 to 6 pm at the Dale Howard Family Activity Center. Marshalltown Community College will host two events: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 7 pm and Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 5 pm; both MCC events will be in room 302.

Iowa Valley Board approves academic calendars

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:47:40 -0600

The IVCCD Board of Directors approved the 2013-2014 academic calendars for Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College/Iowa Valley Grinnell at this month's meeting.

Iowa Valley announces upcoming changes for Marshall/Tama CDCs

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:08:56 -0600

Iowa Valley Career Development Center staff, county caseworkers, and families of the Marshall and Tama County Career Development Center (CDC) consumers were informed Monday about changes in service providers that will take place before July 1.

State support for Adult Basic Education is critical to Iowa's skilled worker shortage

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:25:08 -0600

Before the November elections, our Iowa Valley Community College District leadership team met with each of the candidates to discuss critical issues that have an impact on our ability to deliver the necessary services to our stakeholders. We tied these conversations to the Governor's key initiatives of bringing several thousand better paying jobs to Iowa and creating a skilled Iowa workforce.

Iowa Valley Board receives more Utility Technician money

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:42:54 -0600

The IVCCD Board approved receipt of an additional $47,500 in state funding for Iowa Valley's successful Utility Technician program at its December meeting. IVCE Vice Chancellor Jacque Goodman told the Board, "Our Utility Technician program is so successful that we were encouraged by the state to apply for this additional funding, which has to be spent by June 30, 2013." It was reported that graduates of the technical training program have a 75 percent employment rate, and that the majority are employed in Iowa.

Iowa Valley announces Gap Tuition Assistance Program

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:19:58 -0600

Full tuition assistance is now available to qualifying students for qualifying career training programs. The Iowa Valley Continuing Education (IVCE) Gap Tuition Assistance Program provides tuition funding for approved Continuing Education certificate training programs for in-demand occupations, including the areas of information technology, health care, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics. The funding is provided through the Gap Tuition Assistance Act.

Iowa Valley reports on growth of online/distance learning

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:28:42 -0600

The tremendous growth and exciting future of online/distance learning was outlined at this month's meeting of the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors.

Iowa Valley Board approves contracts

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:13:27 -0600

Contracts for snow removal on the Ellsworth Community College campuses and college level instruction at four high schools were approved when the Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors met this week.

Iowa Valley reaches out to candidates

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:58:42 -0600

The establishment of an Iowa comprehensive community college system was created in 1965 as the result of legislation called "The Area Vocational Schools Act." During that time, members of the Iowa Legislature recognized the need to create a "merged area" educational system as the result of a growing interest among a diverse group of students who represented adults, women, minorities, and lower and middle class families. It became evident during this period that a quality education was critical to the training of a skilled workforce, which would attract industry and keep young Iowans living in their rural communities.

Employment surges for community college grads

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:19:57 -0500

These days, there may be something more valuable to job seekers than a four-year college degree: a two-year college degree.

Employment for Americans with an associate's degree or some college has increased by 578,000 the past six months to 35.2 million, while payrolls for those with at least a bachelor's are up by just 314,000 to 46.5 million, Labor Department figures show.

IVCCD Marketing Wins NCMPR Medallion Awards

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:05:21 -0500

Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) received two Bronze Medallion Awards in the annual National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District V Conference publications contest. Awards were announced at the District banquet held in Wichita, KS.

Continuing Education renews commitment to enriching lives in our local communities

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:09:26 -0500

I'm starting my third year as Vice Chancellor of Continuing Education and Training and each year I take the opportunity to reflect on the previous year and respond to the changing demands of our local communities. As I look back on the past couple of years, Iowa Valley Continuing Education saw an increase in the demand for GED classes, career preparation courses for manufacturing and healthcare careers, and an increase in the number of individuals interested in accessing services that would lead them to a new career through job training partnership programs. These are all important programs and services provided by Iowa Valley Community College District.

Iowa Valley Board approves contracts

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:38:05 -0500

MARSHALLTOWN - Contracts for Iowa Jobs Training with Oldcastle Materials Group (dba Cessford Construction), college level instruction at five high schools, and snow removal were approved when the Iowa Valley Community College District Board of Directors met this week.

Medical Assisting listed 4th in 'Best Jobs of 2012'

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:10:07 -0500

Medical assistants keep offices running efficiently by handling administrative, clinical and laboratory duties in doctors' offices or large medical centers. Graduates of the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Medical Assisting programs at Ellsworth Community College (ECC) in Iowa Falls and Marshalltown Community College (MCC) in Marshalltown put their knowledge to work across the country in a wide variety of positions.

Nearly 100 attend Legislative Forum

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:48:39 -0500

There was lively discussion at a Legislative Forum Wednesday evening sponsored by the Marshalltown Community College Student Senate and Iowa Valley Community College District, and moderated by Iowa Press host Dean Borg. MCC Student Senate representative Lester Mwirichia is pictured at the podium introducing the event. On the stage, from left, are moderator Dean Borg, Sen. Steve Sodders, Candidate Jane Jech, Rep. Mark Smith, Candidate Allen Burt, and House District 72 Candidates Nathan Wrage and Dean Fisher. The conversation focused on education, workforce training, and other issues of interest to Iowa's community colleges. Approximately 100 people attended.

Medical Assisting Week is Oct. 15-19

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:36:56 -0500

Students and staff at Ellsworth and Marshalltown Community Colleges are gearing up to celebrate Medical Assistants Recognition Week Oct. 15-19 as designated by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Medical assistants across the country will be recognized during this special week and honored on Medical Assistants Recognition Day on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

IVCCD is named one of "Iowa's Top Workplaces" for 2012

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:39:47 -0500

Iowa Valley Community College District, which operates Ellsworth Community College, Marshalltown Community College, Iowa Valley Continuing Education and Iowa Valley Grinnell, is pleased to announce that it has been selected as one of Iowa's Top Workplaces for the second consecutive year.

Iowa's community colleges get $13 million grant

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:22:23 -0500

The U.S. Department of Labor announced yesterday that the Iowa community college initiative known as "Iowa-Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM): A Talent Success Strategy for the 21^st Century Workforce" was awarded $12,951,165.

Dean Borg to host Oct. 10 Legislative Forum

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:24:35 -0500

Dean Borg, host of Iowa Press, will moderate a Legislative Forum with six local candidates for the Iowa Legislature on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 6 pm. The one-hour forum, open to the public, will be held at the Iowa Valley Continuing Education Center (3702 S. Center St.) in Dejardin Hall, room 808.

State contracts Iowa Valley to expand Promise Jobs services

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:12:37 -0500

Iowa Valley Community College District will provide Promise Jobs services to five additional counties under a new contract with Iowa Workforce Development approved this month by the IVCCD Board of Directors. According to Jennifer Fuchs, Iowa Valley Director of WIA and Promise Jobs, the new contract is the result of months of study, and it's a vote of confidence in the work being done by Iowa Valley.

September declared 'Workforce Development Month' in Iowa

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:54:56 -0500

Governor Terry Branstad has declared September 2012 as Workforce Development Month in Iowa, recognizing the vital role workforce development service providers, organizations and partners play in the state's economy.

IVCCD posts fall enrollment gains

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:17:11 -0500

According to official enrollment reports, the fall 2012 student headcount and credit hour count are up at Iowa Valley Community College District, which operates Ellsworth Community College and Marshalltown Community College. Official numbers have not yet been received from all of the Iowa community colleges, but unofficial reports indicate that only two community college districts in the state experienced enrollment growth this fall, while one community college had no growth and all the others experienced enrollment declines.

IVCCD: Very good and getting even better through CQI

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:07:24 -0500

On Aug. 13, I addressed all Iowa Valley Community College District employees at our annual Staff Day event that we hold to "kick off" each new academic year. I entitled my state-of-the District address: "A Very Good Institution Getting Even Better through Continuous Quality Improvement." Why such a title? Because that is exactly what we are, and we have the data to support my claim.

IVCCD employee service awards presented

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:42:21 -0500

Twenty-five employees of Iowa Valley Community College District, with a combined total of 340 years of service, were honored at a staff in-service day earlier this week. The employees represent all units of IVCCD, including Ellsworth Community College (ECC), Marshalltown Community College (MCC), Iowa Valley Continuing Education (IVCE), Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell (IVG), and District Administration. IVCCD Chancellor Dr. Chris Duree presented the awards.

IVCCD presents Sweeney with "Ambassador Award"

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:38:48 -0500

Representative Annette Sweeney was the recipient of the Iowa Valley Community College District "Ambassador Award" for her service, commitment, and dedication to providing students with opportunities for a quality education. The award was presented Monday by IVCCD Chancellor Dr. Chris Duree in front of all IVCCD employees during a staff in-service day on the Ellsworth Community College campus.

Duree named to NCCHC Board

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:56:41 -0500

Dr. Christopher Duree, Chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College District, has been named to the board of the National Community College Hispanic Council. He was nominated for the honor by Iowa State University and is the only Iowa representative on the NCCHC Board.

IVCCD approves faculty contract at 4%

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:02:32 -0500

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors approved a one-year contract with the Iowa Valley Community College Education Association (IVCCEA) faculty union when it met this month. The contract calls for a 4 percent total package increase, with 3.61 percent of the increase designated for salaries.

IVCCD approves training with six area businesses

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 08:12:04 -0500

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors approved six 260F Iowa Job Training Agreements with local businesses when it met in regular session this week.

IVCCD Board accepts Daryl Wiese resignation

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:30:46 -0500

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors voted to accept the resignation of Ellsworth Community College faculty member Daryl Wiese following a special meeting Thursday evening. Board members thanked Wiese for his service to the District; he retires after serving 16 years as the instructor of ECC's Construction Technology programs.

IVCCD Board approves tuition & salary increases

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:36:50 -0500

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors approved a $5 per credit hour tuition increase and a 4% salary package increase for all non-faculty employees when it met in regular session Wednesday in Grinnell.

State funding for community colleges: What does it mean?

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:39:14 -0500

The legislative session for 2012 has now closed. Not to anyone's surprise, funding for education was a critical topic of discussion and compromise. The general public hears about a wide spectrum of related issues and I am frequently asked: "What exactly are the legislators talking about?" Understandably, if you do not work with the funding variables day in and day out, the topics selected by the news stations usually only touch "the tip of the iceberg." So what do State General Aid, ACE Infrastructure Funding, Maintenance Infrastructure Funding, and Workforce Training and Economic Development Funding mean? More importantly, what does all of this mean to our stakeholders?

IVCCD receives news of FY13 state funding package

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:09:37 -0500

The Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors discussed the 2012-2013 state funding package for Iowa's community colleges when it met in regular session this week. The package represents a 12 percent increase for community colleges over current year funding, which is notable since the total state budget increased by only 3.2 percent.

Iowa Valley achieves NACEP accreditation

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:08:18 -0500

Iowa Valley Community College District is one of 11 Iowa community colleges that earned accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). Iowa Valley operates Marshalltown Community College, Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, and Iowa Valley Grinnell.

Iowa Valley: Long-term partner to Workforce Development

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:17:17 -0500

Iowa's local workforce infrastructure is designed with partnerships between locally identified partners and Iowa Workforce Development. Iowa Valley Community College District serves as a partner for Marshall, Hardin, Poweshiek and Tama counties.

IVCCD approves Automotive Repair Technology program

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:30:07 -0500

New one-year and two-year Automotive Repair Technology programs will be offered beginning this fall at the Iowa Valley Grinnell campus as a result of action at the Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) Board of Directors meeting this week.

MCC Student Senate nominates Sen. Sodders for prestigious award

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:33:52 -0500

DES MOINES - The Marshalltown Community College Student Senate and their advisor, Abbie Alsene, submitted a nomination for Sen. Steve Sodders (Senate District 22) to receive the 2012 Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award in the Iowa Senate. The award, created by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association, commemorates Iowa native Herbert Hoover, 31^st president of the United States, and honors his commitment to public service and volunteerism. The award was presented to Sen. Sodders on Monday, Mar. 26, at the Capitol in Des Moines.

University of Iowa degrees now offered in Marshalltown & Iowa Falls

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:20:48 -0500

A significant new partnership between Iowa Valley Community College District and the University of Iowa was signed this week. The result will be the offering of four University of Iowa bachelor degree programs on the Marshalltown Community College and Ellsworth Community College (Iowa Falls) campuses.