U.S. Department of Ed. Approves Iowa’s Returning Education to the States Waiver
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education approved Iowa’s Returning Education to the States Waiver, empowering state education officials to have more discretion over their federal education dollars. Iowa is the first state to apply for and receive such a waiver, which will allow state leaders to focus federal dollars on work that best improves the achievement of Iowa students. CCforIowa will send further information about how this affects institutions as we learn more.
Iowa Capital Dispatch: “Community college leaders look to lawmakers for additional funds, support”
Our Executive Director Emily Shields spoke with reporter Brooklyn Draisey, a Report for America corps member covering higher education. The interview shares the big picture behind policies on the table this legislative session, which is positioning to be a formative year as 2026 marks 60 years since the Iowa Legislature created our state's unique community college model. Read the article here.
Radio Iowa News: “House GOP considers four-year degree option at Iowa community colleges”
House Speaker Pat Grassley, House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann, and Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, Rep. Taylor Collins, share their perspectives on plans to have community colleges grant four-year degrees. Community colleges in 24 other states offer four-year degrees, mostly in high demand areas like nursing, business and education. Read the article here.
Iowa Capital Dispatch: “Community college partnership aims to ease military vets into transportation jobs”
Thanks to a new partnership between Southeastern Community College and the U.S. Defense Dept., active military members will be able to start training for transportation industry jobs before their service ends. The Dept. of Defense’s SkillBridge Initiative aims to help service members gain skills in stable careers so they can confidently transition when their service ends. Read the article here.
Corridor Business Journal: Kirkwood Community College President, Dr. Kristie Fisher, Named Among CBJ’s 25 Most Influential Leaders of 2025
Dr. Fisher has been named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 25 Most Influential Leaders of 2025 — a well-deserved recognition of her leadership, vision, and impact on our college and the broader Corridor community. From championing student success to guiding Kirkwood’s role in regional workforce and education initiatives, Dr. Fisher continues to make a meaningful difference every day. Full list of honorees here.
In Case You Missed It: CCforIowa Celebrates Excellence with 2025 Outstanding Community College Awardees
In December, CCforIowa held an award ceremony during our Convnetion and Tradeshow to celebrate the remarkable in the ways leaders are advancing the mission of community colleges. This includes a faculty and staff member from each of Iowa’s 15 institutions, plus four selective awards. Each of the awardee’s stories are available here.