President
Location: Independence, Kansas
Type: Full-Time, 12-Month, Exempt
Salary: $120,000 - $160,000 with an excellent benefits package
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Position Overview
The Board of Trustees of Independence Community College (ICC) invites nominations and applications for the position of President. The College seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary leader who will embrace the community-centered mission of ICC and inspire innovation, transparency, and excellence across all facets of the institution.
Located in the heart of Southeast Kansas, Independence Community College is a proud, rural-serving institution dedicated to transforming lives through education, workforce development, and community engagement. ICC combines academic rigor with personal support—serving as both a pathway to opportunity and a hub of civic, cultural, and economic vitality for the region.
About the College
Founded in 1925, ICC serves students through a vibrant mix of academic transfer programs, career and technical education, and continuing education opportunities. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and operates under the Standard Pathway, reaffirmed in 2021.
ICC offers a wide range of programs in arts and sciences, business, healthcare, and technical education, including stackable credentials and associate degrees designed to prepare students for transfer or direct entry into the workforce. Through partnerships with area high schools, universities, and employers, ICC continues to expand access to higher education and promote lifelong learning across its service area.
With a student-first culture and strong community roots, ICC’s faculty and staff take pride in knowing students by name and in helping them succeed—academically, professionally, and personally.
The Opportunity
The next President of Independence Community College will provide visionary and servant leadership, guiding the institution through its next era of growth and transformation. The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the College and reports directly to the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking and student-centered leader who can:
• Inspire collaboration and shared governance across all levels of the College.
• Strengthen enrollment, retention, and completion through innovation and partnership.
• Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and operational effectiveness with transparency and accountability.
• Foster workforce development partnerships that align programs with regional and state economic priorities.
• Advance inclusive excellence and a campus culture of belonging.
• Champion the value of public higher education and actively represent ICC in community, regional, and state forums.
Institutional Priorities
Student Success & Enrollment Growth The President will champion initiatives that promote equitable access, student persistence, and academic achievement. Strengthening recruitment pipelines with high schools, enhancing concurrent and dual-credit partnerships, and deepening engagement with local employers will be central to this work.
Operational & Financial Stewardship The successful candidate will bring strong fiscal management and strategic planning experience. They will guide multi-year budgeting, oversee facilities and technology improvements, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and manage vendor contracts with efficiency and integrity.
Community Engagement & Partnerships As ICC’s most visible ambassador, the President will actively engage with civic, business, and educational leaders throughout Southeast Kansas. The President will represent ICC in workforce initiatives, community development efforts, and regional collaborations—ensuring ICC remains a trusted partner and catalyst for progress.
Academic Excellence & Institutional Growth The President will strengthen relationships with the Kansas Board of Regents, four-year universities, and local K–12 districts. They will support innovative academic programs, uphold accreditation standards, and advance a culture of continuous improvement.
Athletics & Student Life ICC’s rich tradition of athletics contributes significantly to institutional identity and community pride. The President will ensure these programs align with academic goals, compliance requirements, and the College’s broader mission of student development.
Required Qualifications
• An earned Master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution; Doctorate preferred.
• Proven record of executive leadership, preferably within a community college or public higher education environment.
• Demonstrated success in enrollment management, strategic planning, financial leadership, and operational oversight.
• Strong knowledge of local governance and coordinated institutions processes and regulatory compliance.
• Evidence of collaborative leadership, transparency, and a deep commitment to servant leadership and student success.
Compensation
Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications within the range of $120,000 - $160,000 annually. ICC offers a comprehensive fringe benefits program.
Application Process
To ensure full consideration, application materials must be submitted no later than January 16, 2026.
A complete application should include:
1) A letter of interest specifically addressing how the applicant’s background and experience align with the qualifications and leadership characteristics described in this profile.
2) A current resume or curriculum vitae.
3) Complete transcripts of all college-level coursework (unofficial copies are acceptable for the initial application; official transcripts will be required for finalists).
4) The names, email addresses, phone numbers and professional titles of at least five (5) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the candidate.
About Independence and Southeast Kansas
Nestled in the rolling hills of Southeast Kansas, the City of Independence is a welcoming and vibrant community that values education, family, and civic pride. The area offers small-town charm, strong schools, and a cost of living that supports an exceptional quality of life. Rich in culture and history, Independence hosts community festivals, recreational opportunities, and a thriving arts scene—making it an ideal location for a college deeply integrated with its community.
As a rural-serving institution deeply integrated into the life of its community, Independence Community College benefits from strong local partnerships and a supportive regional network. To uphold this close community connection and ensure active visibility and engagement, the President of Independence Community College is required to reside within the ICC taxing district (northern Montgomery County, Kansas) within six months of appointment.
Equal Opportunity
Independence Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity institution and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the application and interview process.
Somos un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y todos los candidatos calificados recibirán consideración por el empleo sin distinción de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, estado de discapacidad, estado de veterano protegido o cualquier otra característica protegida por la ley.
Independence Community College (ICC) is a two-year educational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It was established in 1925 as grades 13 and 14 of the Independence public school system. In 1967, Independence Community College legally separated from the school district. Construction of the new community college on a 68 acre campus, formerly the Independence Country Club, began in 1969. Classes at the new site began in September 1970. ICC campus is now home to the Academic Building, Fine Arts Building, Student Union, Cessna Learning Center, Field House, Administration Building, William Inge Center for the Arts, fitness center, athletic practice fields, disc golf course, 96-bed multi-structure living complex, and a 200 bed residence hall.
By renovating a donated building, in 2010, we expanded our college to include ICC West (2615 West Main Street). This campus is located on the west side of Independence and is home to our technical programs: Allied Health, Cosmetology, and GED/ABE. Additional renovations were completed in 2012 to accomodate our newest program, Veterinary Technology. This state-of-the-art facility includes animal wards, a classroom, lab, surgery, pharmacy, prep room, small animal treatment, food prep, grooming, and radiology.
ICC also maintains presence downtown through the ICC Foundation office and by partnering with the Independence Business Resource Center.
Currently, our educational and support programming includes 35 programs of study for Associates of Arts and/or Science degrees, 11 programs of study for Certificate completion, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, men's and women's athletic programs, and a variety of campus organizations and activities.
Mission Statement
Independence Community College serves the best interests of students and the community by providing academic excellence while promoting cultural enrichment and economic development.
Vision Statement
To be a community college that provides an exceptional educational experience by cultivating intellect, encouraging creativity, and enhancing character in a student and community centered environment.
Core Values
- Integrity: ICC holds its employees and students accountable to be honest, ethical, and transparent.
- Excellence: ICC demonstrates continuous quality improvement in academics and services offered to students and other stakeholders.
- Responsiveness: ICC looks to the future by responding to the emerging needs of its stakeholders.
- Diversity/Enrichment: ICC provides an environment that values uniqueness while promoting personal growth through creativity and innovation.
- Commitment: ICC commits to making decisions that best serve its students and community.
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