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The NICC Board of Trustees met on Monday, June 21.
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) experienced a double digit enrollment increase for the fifth consecutive term. This summer's enrollment headcount is up 13 percent; and the number of credit hours has increased by more than 20 percent over last year.
"We offer quality education at an affordable price," said Curt Oldfield, vice president of academic affairs. "Not only are we seeing a large number of dislocated workers enrolling, but we are also seeing a significant increase in the number of students already enrolled elsewhere, taking courses that will transfer to their home institutions." Oldfield added that registration for online course offerings has increased by 50 percent since last year. At the NICC Board of Trustees meeting, Vice President of Economic Development Services Ken Vande Berg addressed the board on the sale of Industrial New Jobs Training Certificates. Following a public hearing, the board took action to sell $9,155,000 in certificates. This sale includes the creation or expansion of eight companies and over 1000 new jobs throughout the district. Since 1985, the college has awarded nearly $60 million in training dollars that has directly resulted in the creation of more than 12,000 jobs. "Through the administration of this program and the training it provides new and expanding businesses, the college is an integral part of the vitality and growth of our communities," stated Vande Berg. Trustees approved a contract with Martin Design, P.C. for services from the architectural firm formerly known as Gardner Architecture. In related news, the trustees approved the final drawings for additional facilities at the Dairy Center that will house classrooms and science labs for the new Chemical Technician program slated to begin Fall 2011. Funds for this project are coming from the Accelerated Careers in Education (ACE) program from the State of Iowa. The board also approved agreements between the Dubuque County Library and the City of Peosta for joint library services housed on the Peosta campus. Funding for this new facility is being paid for by funds from the $35 million bond levy and from a grant from the state's I-JOBS program. The new facility is expected to be complete in summer 2011. In other construction news, Vice President John Noel gave board members a report on updating electrical service at the Calmar campus. As the service provider, Alliant Energy will be installing new transformers and subcontracting other components as needed to complete the project. Noel also reported that construction is progressing for a new student center at the Calmar campus. This "green" building will utilize geothermal heating and cooling and will house the library, bookstore, cafeteria and student services. This project, also funded by the $35 million bond levy, is expected to be complete by the end of the year. Trustees approved the recommended low bid for five welders for the Peosta campus welding program from Superior Welding Supply Company of Dubuque at a cost of $24,996. This will allow the college to expand its welding lab in the new industrial technologies facility that will be completed in August. Tracy Kruse, director of external relations, reported on the recent success of the NICC Foundation golf tournament on June 12 at the South Winn Country Club in Calmar and June 18 in Timberline Country Club in Peosta. These two tournaments annually raise approximately $50,000 for student scholarships. Kruse also reported on the college's grant activities, having been awarded nearly $3.5 million for various programs and activities over the past year. The board approved the hiring of Valerie Allen at the Town Clock Center in Dubuque and Karla Ingles, Denise Kluesner and Randy Schofield, all at the Peosta Campus. Additionally, they approved the hiring of Duane Cole at the Cresco Center and Brynn McConnell, Todd Meert, Scott Miller and Jennifer Olson, all at the Calmar campus. Following a closed session for the president's annual evaluation, the board reconvened to extend Dr. Penny Will's contract through June 2013. The Monday, June 21, 2010 meeting was held in the Town Clock Center in Dubuque. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on July 12 at the Calmar campus boardroom. ### |
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