Ahlers & Cooney: Iowa Supreme Court clarifies scope of closed sessions under Iowa’s open meetings law
On April 17, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a decision to clarify Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(i), which allows closed sessions to evaluate professional competency while preventing needless and irreparable injury to the individual’s reputation when under evaluation. Closed sessions can now include a full discussion of performance, ethical conduct, “any necessary incidental matters,” and discussion of complaints not yet filed. The code also clarifies that employees are not entitled by law to be present during a closed session evaluation by a governing board. Read the full article here.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: Lama Mohamed of Kirkwood Community College is one of 60 students receiving scholarship complete four-year degree
The Cooke Foundation is committed to expanding access to high-quality, debt-free pathways for high-achieving students with financial need. While nearly 80% of community college students aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16% reach that goal within six years. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process. This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. Congratulations, Lama and Kirkwood! Read the full article here.
Radio Iowa: Iowa community colleges continue moving toward pre-pandemic enrollment
Iowa Dept. Of Education Community Colleges Bureau Chief Amy Gieske reported that Iowa’s community colleges have seen an increase of 3.1% in enrollment in 2025, which puts the colleges close to pre-pandemic attendance. Gieske also noted that the types of degrees and certifications being sought have changed over the past 5 years, with fewer Associate of Arts and Sciences degrees and an increase in joint enrollment and online attendance. Read the full article here.
The Gazette: Higher gas prices pinch Iowa community college students
Kirkwood Community College students are among the many to feel the strain of rising gas prices. Students who are able are choosing to walk instead of drive, and those who commute have to contend with the cost of every trip to and from campus. Some students report that they are cutting back on other essentials to keep their cars running, while others say they have stopped going out for anything other than school or work. As students struggle, Iowa’s community colleges are working hard to deliver accessible and quality education. Read the full story here.
Our Quad Cities (Local News 4): Eastern Iowa Community Colleges impacted by Canvas attack
A cyberattack on Canvas, a learning management system, impacted thousands of students on May 7, including those at Eastern Iowa Community College. Students logging in to review discussion boards or submit assignments at the end of the school year were unable to access the program and received more time to complete their assigned work. EICC’s IT team monitored the situation and restored access to Canvas after the service was up and running again on May 9. Read the full story here.
The Messenger: Iowa Central football team, sports medicine to get new home
Iowa Central Community College announced a new facility to be constructed in Fort Dodge to house the football program as well as sports medicine, pre-physical therapy, and other athletic training programs. The 25,000 square-foot building will be constructed by Jensen Builders Ltd., and will be funded primarily from student housing fees. College President Jesse Ulrich says that he hopes ground will be broken for the new construction this fall. Read the full story here.
MSN/KCRG: Eastern Iowa Community Colleges launches HVAC training program
Students at Eastern Iowa Community College have the opportunity to complete a new HVAC training program meant to give them hands-on learning experience in a field facing a major shortage of workers. The course covers the fundamentals of electricity, refrigeration, and systems troubleshooting to introduce prospective HVAC professionals to the field. Read the full article here.
Western Iowa Today: Rare white fawn spotted on Indian Hills Community College campus
The Iowa DNR has confirmed the sighting of a newborn white fawn on the Indian Hills Community College campus on May 12. White deer with either leucistic or albino pigmentation represent fewer than 1% of Iowa’s deer population, appearing once out of every 30,000 deer born. The fawn is not abandoned, and the DNR encourages the community to give the deer space and observe it from a distance so the mother can return to it. Read the full article here.
NWestIowa.com: Northwest Iowa Community College honors trustees
This School Board Recognition Month, Northwest Iowa Community College is joining other communities throughout the state to honor their elected school board members. This year’s theme is, “Because of You,” and pays tribute to the dedicated work of the unpaid volunteers who serve on educational boards across Iowa. “The Trustees of Northwest Iowa Community College are knowledgeable, experienced, and committed individuals who provide broad strategic oversight of the college. They take the long-term view so that NCC provides northwest Iowans with a quality education that is both affordable and accessible. In short, they make sure that NCC stays on mission,” said Dr. John Hartog, NCC president. Read the full article here.
The Cornwall Local: Iowa Lakes Community College partners with Minnesota university for nursing education
Iowa Lakes Community College has announced a new partnership with Minnesota State University in Mankato to create a transfer pathway for nursing students seeking to further their education. With a history of quality, hands-on nursing education since 1966, this partnership is another step on the path to keeping accessible education available for all Iowans. Read the full story here.
Decorah News: Two Colleges, One Community: How a Shared Vision is Redefining the NICC Student Experience
Thanks to a partnership with Luther College, Northeast Iowa Community College students are able to live on-campus while attending school. The two colleges developed this partnership thanks to the existing relationship they share, with NICC’s graduations held on Luther College’s grounds and Luther students benefiting from NICC’s Waukon center. This further collaboration provides support for community college students who need to live close to campus in dedicated student housing. Read the full story here.
Des Moines Register: Opinion – Will Iowa let its community colleges innovate?
Guest columnist Erika Liodice notes that Iowa’s community college leadership is excited for innovation and passionate about connecting their students with quality programs that lead to their success— success that is only possible with legislative support and funding. Read the full story here.