Women and people of color find enriched opportunities for advancement into administrative leadership roles in Iowa's community colleges through the Leadership Institute for a New Century (LINC). Participants, aged 25 to 60, have bachelor's degrees in diverse fields and are currently working in entry- to mid-level positions as faculty members or administrative personnel. More than 60 percent of the program's graduates have acquired job promotions since completing the program.
Established in 1989 by the Iowa State University Higher Education Program, LINC provides academic preparation, internship experiences and networking opportunities. Participants learn from nationally recognized leaders. They visit campuses and share ideas with community college presidents and other state leaders in two day sessions held monthly from September through May. Students earn four graduate credit hours toward state of Iowa community college certification during the one-year program. They may also opt for an additional credit experiences.
Goal
The purpose of the Leadership Institute for a New Century (LINC) is to provide academic and internship opportunities to encourage the advancement of women and people of color into administrative leadership roles at Iowa community colleges. In 1999 men were accepted into the program.
Objectives
LINC is designed to encourage and prepare women, people of color, and men for leadership roles. The primary focus is personal development. Networking opportunities are provided to increase diversity of participation in the leadership of Iowa community colleges into the next century. Emphasis is placed on enhancing abilities to:
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Communicate and analyze state and local governance and funding.
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Examine the interaction of the president with the constellation of internal and external constituencies of the community college.
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Understand the theoretical and practical dynamics of community colleges as organizations.
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Improve management and communication skills.
Institute Format
LINC seminars are held for 1 1/2 days each month beginning in September and ending in May. Meetings are usually held in Des Moines at the same time the IACCP/IACCT meet, which is the first Thursday and Friday of each month. Colleges pay all fees for the seminar, and lodging is covered by the sponsors. (Tuition and fees for internships is the responsibility of the participants.)
As a part of the seminar, LINC participants learn from nationally recognized community college educational leaders through conferences and sessions. Previous speakers have included: Jackie Vietti, President, Butler County Community College; Cynthia Hellan, Colorado Mountain College; Pam Fisher, Yosemite Valley Community College; Judith Redwine, President, State Center Community College; Beverly Simone, President Emeritus, Madison Area Technical College; Wayne Newton, President, Kirkwood Community College Board of Trustees; David Pierce, President-Emeritus, American Association of Community Colleges; and John Roueche, S.W. Richardson Chair for the University of Texas (at Austin) Community College Leadership Program. Included are campus site visits and interaction with Iowa community college presidents, state leaders, and Iowa Department of Education personnel.
Institute Activities
Download the program for 2005-2006 (pdf)
Fall Seminar (Hg Ed 580H; 2 credits or audit)
Topics include:
- Public Policy
- State and Local Governance Issues
- Board of Directors Profiles
- Presidential Decision-Making
- Leadership Styles
- Vision
- Educational Ethics
- Workplace Values Clarification
- Organizational Culture Identification
- Community College Philosophy, Mission, Goals, Ideals
- Institutional Policies and Procedures
- Strategic Planning
- Formal and Informal Organizational Structures
Spring Seminar (Hg Ed 580H; 2 credits or audit)
Topics include:
- Legislative and Public Policy Decision-Making Processes
- The Political Process
- The Iowa Community College Funding Formula
- Budgeting Processes
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation Skills
- Resume Writing and Interview Techniques
- Campus Visitations
- Community College Current Issues
Internships (Hg Ed 591 (Optional): 1-2 credits or audit)
Opportunities are available for supervised field experience with an individual president or other administrators, the Iowa Department of Education and/or the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees.
LINC Program Coordinators
Larry H. Ebbers is an University Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University.
Sharon Drake, is adjunct Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Iowa State University, and is retired as Director, Training and Development, Iowa State University.
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Special Features
- Participants are nominated by their institutions.
- LINC seminars are part of the currently approved curriculum for the Iowa State University Community College Certificate.
- Observation of statewide IACCP/IACCT meetings is a component of the program.
- The community college presidents offer consultation and guidance to the program.
- Participation in LINC is limited to 20 individuals each year.
LINC is sponsored by the Community College Leadership Program in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Department in the College of Education at Iowa State University, the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees and the Iowa Association of Community College Presidents.
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