About CCLP

The Community College Leadership Program in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University consists of two program areas and one research component. They are:

Program Areas

The Community College Leadership Academy has two degree granting components, two leadership development programs, a leadership certificate program and a forthcoming statewide leadership conference. The two degree programs are the Educational Leadership Ph.D. program (offered on an alternating cohort format basis) and the master's degree in Education.

CLIC and LINC are two leadership development programs offered each year. Participants are nominated by colleges in Iowa and surrounding states. CLIC is designed for mid- to upper-level administrators, and LINC is designed primarily for woman and minorities in leadership tracks. Upon completion of these programs and seminars and coursework from the Iowa Community College Professional Development Academy, students are eligible to receive the ISU Community College Leadership Certificate.

A series of professional development seminars (credit/non-credit) focusing on current issues in community colleges is also offered. Topics will vary from year to year but may include legal issues, systems thinking, diversity, ethics, and community colleges of the future.

The Community College Teaching, Learning and Leadership Academy focuses on the preparation and development of community college mid-career faculty, staff, and administrators. Emphasis is placed on leadership and learning, preparation for faculty roles, student learning and assessment, and a local initiative capstone project. Completion of the program earns participants a community college teaching certificate in addition to the master's degree.

Community college faculty can concurrently earn a community college teaching certificate offered by Iowa State University. The teaching certificate, consisting of four courses, may also be earned without being in a degree program. It is designed to prepare faculty with the latest in teaching techniques, curriculum development, mission and values of the community college and the diverse nature of our student population.

Research Component

The Office of Community College Research and Policy (OCCRP) at Iowa State University is focused on creating, sharing, and applying knowledge in the context of community college education. The mission of the OCCRP is to articulate and analyze the issues affecting policy and practice by conducting rigorous research. The OCCRP provides assistance to community college practitioners and policy makers in strengthening governanace structures, developing leadership competencies, and making informed decisions to improve educational opportunities and academic success for students in community colleges in Iowa and nationwide.

The Community College Professional Development Academy focuses on a series of professional development seminars (credit/non-credit) that focus on current issues in community colleges. Topics will vary from year to year, but may include legal issues, systems thinking, diversity, ethics, and community colleges of the future. In addition, faculty/staff evaluator approval required by the State of Iowa is offered through a series of experiences in the academy. This academy provides the home for Board of Trustee development seminars.

Intersecting Components

All of these components intersect with one another and they share resources and programs. In the center of these components is the relationship to professional organizations. The professional organizations play a significant role in the personal and professional development, and all academy participants are encouraged to participate in one of these at least once per year.

Iowa State University is committed to its relationship with community colleges. The development of these programs will continue to reinforce the mutually productive relationships.

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