As the spring semester gets underway, I want to pause and recognize the strong start across our colleges and the momentum we are building together. Campuses feel energized, parking lots are fuller, and coffee consumption appears to be holding steady at championship levels.

 

This term opened with renewed energy and meaningful progress. The reopening of the expanded Muscatine Technology Center represents more than a facility update. It signals our continued commitment to modern learning environments aligned with workforce needs. My thanks to Naomi DeWinter and Corey Johnson for their leadership in moving this important project forward, along with the many teams whose work brought the space to completion. The result is a learning environment positioned to serve students and our regional workforce well for years ahead.

 

We also celebrate the launch of the FAME partnership in our region. This effort highlights the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to building a skilled workforce. Thank you to Alli Vandermyde for her leadership in bringing this model to our region and for opening doors to meaningful, career-connected opportunities for students.

 

Behind the scenes, implementation of Element451 is underway. This investment will strengthen communication, streamline processes, and help us better track what truly matters as we support students from first inquiry through completion. Mike Beane, Erin Snyder, Cheryl Snowball, and Shelly Lowry are leading this work, and I appreciate the thoughtful planning already in motion. This work is grounded in a broader focus on optimization and simplification to create efficiencies across the district by reducing the number of varying systems we currently use and aligning processes where it makes sense. The goal is to refocus our time, talent, and resources on high-impact services and supports, ensuring energy is spent on the moments that matter most for students and on the touch points that truly make a difference

 

Following a series of listening sessions hosted by Ann Lawler and Erin Snyder, the Vice Chancellor of Student Services position is now open. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared perspectives. We look forward to a thoughtful, engaged hiring process with continued stakeholder input as we identify a leader who will help shape the future of student services across our colleges.

 

As the legislative session continues, we remain actively engaged in advocacy efforts to support sustainable funding, maintain the strength of 260E and 260F workforce training programs, and thoughtfully explore community college bachelor’s degrees aligned with workforce needs. Each area offers an opportunity to expand access, strengthen communities, and remain responsive to students and employers across our region.

 

Now to some numbers worth celebrating—numbers created by real work, real outreach, and real care for students.

 

Total headcount increased 4.5%, with credit hours up 7%. Enrollment among non–high school students grew 8.6%, marking one of our strongest gains, while on-campus (non-HS) credit hours jumped an impressive 14.2%.  Career Academies continue to show growth with a 40.6% increase in credit hours.  

 

Muscatine led the district with standout results: 15% growth in headcount and more than 21% growth in total credit hours. Results like these come from focus, persistence, and teams pulling in the same direction—one conversation, one schedule, one student at a time.

 

The shift to year-long scheduling continues to show results, supporting retention, and providing earlier insight for smarter course planning. Add strong instruction, advising, and support to the mix, and students respond.

 

While reviewing the fall Deans and Presidents lists, I was reminded enrollment gains tell only part of our story. Student achievement remains front and center, and you helped students perform at high levels across our colleges. Pride fits comfortably here.

 

Thank you for the role each of you plays in this momentum. A new semester brings fresh opportunity and this spring gives us plenty to build on together.

 

Let’s continue the work.

 

Forward with purpose,