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SWCC board holds March 2023 meeting
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Published March 15, 2023 3:05 pm

Three SWCC students named to 2023 All-Iowa Academic Team
Pictured above (L to R): Alex Bates of Chariton, All-Iowa Academic Team honoree; Dr. Marjorie McGuire-Welch, SWCC president; and Brenna Bruns of Greenfield, All-Iowa Academic Team honoree. Not able to attend: Hollie Washburn of King City, Missouri, All-Iowa Academic Team honoree.
March 10, 2023, CRESTON, IOWA--Three Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students—Alex Bates of Chariton, Brenna Bruns of Greenfield, and Hollie Washburn of King City, Missouri—were recently named to the 2023 All-Iowa Academic Team during a recognition ceremony sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and held Monday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m., at Curate in Des Moines.
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Published March 10, 2023 1:19 pm

SWCC students qualify for 2023 national leadership conference
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Published March 7, 2023 4:26 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds February 2023 meeting
Feb. 17, 2023, CRESTON, IOWA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.
The board agenda included an action item to set a public hearing for review and approval of the college’s fiscal year 2024 budget. Dr. Marge McGuire-Welch, SWCC president, asked the board to postpone the action item due to ongoing conversations at the state level regarding Senate File 181, which is related to tax valuations for the upcoming fiscal year. Dr. Tony Cass of Creston, board president, agreed to postpone the item until the March 2023 board of trustees meeting.
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Published February 17, 2023 3:19 pm

Former Greater Regional ambulance to be used in SWCC EMS programs
With the start of the fall 2023 semester, the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training program will have a powerful teaching tool to utilize in the classroom—a fully operational ambulance.
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Published February 8, 2023 10:03 am

Chief financial officer in place at Southwestern
Nichole Tucker of Prescott began in her position as chief financial officer at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Tucker replaced Tia Samo, who left the college in November.
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Published January 17, 2023 2:45 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds January 2023 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., for their regular monthly board meeting.
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Published January 12, 2023 8:30 am
SWCC automotive students place at 2022 Iowa auto skills contest
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students Lane Whirrett of Osceola and Logan Weland of Creston placed sixth in the hands-on portion of the 2022 DMACC/IADA High School Automotive Skills Contest on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. This competition recognizes some of the best high school auto technicians in the state.
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Published December 21, 2022 3:56 pm
Southwestern’s board holds December 2022 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.
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Published December 14, 2022 4:59 pm

SWCC carpentry program donates student-constructed doghouses
Creston, Iowa—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) carpentry and building trades program donated six finished doghouses to two animal shelters within the college’s region last week.
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Published December 13, 2022 5:04 pm
SWCC among four $1 million grant recipients
Governor Reynolds awards $4 million in career academy grants to prepare more students for high-demand fields
$1 million each was awarded to Iowa Central Community College, North Scott Community School District, Northwest Iowa Community College and Southwestern Community College
DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today awarded four $1 million competitive grants through the Career Academy Incentive Fund to prepare more high school students for success in college, postsecondary training and the workforce.
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Published December 6, 2022 11:22 am
Southwestern’s board holds November 2022 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
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Published November 9, 2022 3:07 pm
Graceland and SWCC create agreement for allied health majors
LAMONI, Nov. 8, 2022--Graceland University recently partnered with Southwestern Community College (SWCC) to create an articulation agreement to ease the transfer process into the Graceland University Allied Health program.
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Published November 8, 2022 9:54 am
SWCC winterim online courses begin Dec. 23
A number of online courses are available during Southwestern Community College's (SWCC's) winter break.
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Published November 7, 2022 1:48 pm

Southwestern ensemble to release album
Creston, IOWA--Southwestern Community College's School for Music Vocations (SMV) singer/songwriter ensemble MULTIPLICITY will release an album, entitled “One,” on October 28, 2022. The SMV Multiplicity album, directed by SMV faculty member Kathryn Severing-Fox, is a seven-song EP that will be released on all music sites, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
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Published October 25, 2022 9:43 am

Southwestern automotive students receive statewide scholarships
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) automotive students Koby Namanny of Cumberland and Wyatt Vasey of Winterset each recently received a $2,500 scholarship for the fall 2022 semester from the Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education (IADA).
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Published October 13, 2022 8:39 am
Southwestern Community College board holds October 2022 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the Administration Center.
The board approved consent agenda items, including the tentative agenda, payables, and depository resolution.
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Published October 12, 2022 4:45 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds September 2022 meeting
Creston—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
The board approved the resignation of Steve Crittenden from the Education Foundation board of directors. Dr. Marge McGuire-Welch, SWCC president, said Crittenden is retiring from his position at First National Bank in Creston and, therefore, is stepping down from the Education Foundation board. It was recommended that Julie Lanning, president and CEO of First National Bank, be appointed to fill the vacancy created by Crittenden’s resignation. Following discussion, the board approved Crittenden’s resignation and appointed Lanning for the remainder of the term.
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Published September 19, 2022 2:18 pm

Southwestern automotive programs receive Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation grant & scholarships
The Iowa Automobile Dealers Association (IADA) Foundation for Education recently awarded Southwestern Community College’s (SWCC’s) automotive programs a $6,294 grant to purchase a ProSpot SP-2 Smart MIG welder to be utilized by students in the auto collision repair/refinish and automotive repair technology programs.
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Published September 16, 2022 9:35 am
ACT Boot Camp to be held at SWCC Oct. 20
CRESTON — The TRIO Talent Search (TS) program at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is hosting an ACT Boot Camp on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the college’s Allied Health and Science Center auditorium, to assist high school students in preparation for the ACT Test.
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Published September 13, 2022 5:03 pm
SWCC & TRIO Offering FAFSA Completion Event on Oct. 5
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Published September 12, 2022 8:49 am

Two SWCC students named 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars
Sept. 7, 2022, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI--Brenna Bruns (pictured above, at left) of Greenfield and Piper Lumbard (pictured above, at right) of Creston are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members worldwide named 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. The two Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.
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Published September 7, 2022 9:39 am

Osceola Food and SWCC industrial training program partner
CRESTON — Representatives from Southwestern Community College (SWCC) were on-hand Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at Osceola Food, a local manufacturing facility owned by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), to sign five Osceola Food employees for SWCC’s industrial technology program.
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Published August 11, 2022 3:06 pm

Southwestern Community College board of trustees holds August 2022 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room on the SWCC Creston campus.
Dr. Tony Cass of Creston, president of the SWCC board of trustees, began action items with the discussion of filling the District 7 position on the board. The District 7 position was vacated with the resignation of Vicki Sickels of Mount Ayr, at the July 2022 board meeting. Sickels and her husband are relocating to the Des Moines area.
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Published August 11, 2022 2:05 pm
CCsmart.org helps Americans understand value of community college education
Declining college enrollment is impacting nation’s skilled worker shortage
JACKSON, Miss. (7/25/22) — CCsmart is tackling head-on the issue of declining enrollments at two- and four-year colleges by introducing a new web resource for students and parents--CCsmart.org.
As a nation, we are facing an increased need for a skilled, trained workforce while simultaneously facing decreased student participation in college. Good jobs—the ones with better pay, health insurance, and other benefits—require post-secondary education degrees and credentials.
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Published August 8, 2022 8:25 am
Community Colleges for Iowa announces 2022 award winners
Congratulations, award winners!
DES MOINES, IA, July 18, 2022--Today, Community Colleges for Iowa announced the 2022 winners of the annual Community Colleges for Iowa Awards. These awards recognize faculty, staff, leaders, and Trustees from across Iowa’s 15 Community Colleges for their dedication to excellence and accessible education for all.
The awards will be presented Thursday night (July 21) at an event hosted by Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City as a part of the Community Colleges for Iowa Trustee Conference. This year, for the first time, the awardees include one outstanding staff member and one outstanding faculty member from each college. These awardees were selected by their college for their service and leadership to their college and community.
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Published July 19, 2022 9:09 am
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds July 2022 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the college’s Administration Center, for their regular board meeting.
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Published July 13, 2022 4:17 pm

SWCC collision repair student receives silver medal at SkillsUSA Nationals
Lukas Moore of Emerson, a May 2022 Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish graduate, placed second nationally, receiving the silver medal in collision repair technology (post-secondary division), during the 2022 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 21-23, in Atlanta.
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Published June 29, 2022 2:54 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds June 2022 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., for their regular board meeting.
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Published June 16, 2022 11:01 am
SWCC board approves bid related to Wellman Dynamics new jobs training agreement
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically in special session on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting was held following the electronic bidding process that had taken place from 10-10:30 a.m., the morning of June 2, related to the new jobs training agreement with WDC Acquisition LLC (dba Wellman Dynamics) of Creston.
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Published June 3, 2022 1:47 pm

Montgomery County Memorial Hospital donates equipment to SWCC Career Academy program
Montgomery County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) in Red Oak recently donated a Stryker hospital bed and smart mattress to the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) nurse assisting Career Academy.
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Published May 26, 2022 8:53 am

Auto collision repair/refinish student honored as 2022 SWCC Gordon Bills Auto Body Scholarship recipient
May 12, 2022, CRESTON, Iowa—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish student Grant Van Nostrand of Clarinda was honored as the 2022 SWCC Gordon Bills Auto Body Scholarship recipient during an informal presentation held on Thursday, May 12, at 9 a.m., in the college’s automotive department, located in the SWCC Instructional Center.
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Published May 12, 2022 2:52 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds May 2022 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center, board room.
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Published May 11, 2022 4:06 pm

Nine SWCC students awarded W.D. and Shirley Schafer-Ray Educational Trust scholarships
May 10, 2022, CRESTON, IOWA--The W.D. and Shirley Schaffer-Ray Educational Trust awarded more than $95,000 to 19 local scholarship recipients. Nine of these students will be enrolled at SWCC this fall.
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Published May 10, 2022 3:58 pm

Auto collision repair/refinish student honored as 2022 SWCC Tech Achiever
May 9, 2022, CRESTON, Iowa—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish student Lukas Moore of Emerson was honored as the 2022 SWCC Tech Achiever during a ceremony held on Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m., in the college’s automotive department, located in the SWCC Instructional Center.
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Published May 9, 2022 11:40 am

SWCC School for Music Vocations' students receive 2022 DownBeat awards
DownBeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards were announced in the June issue, which was released earlier today, and the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) School for Music Vocations (SMV) had three current students and one future student honored in the issue.
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Published May 5, 2022 4:44 pm

SWCC Phi Theta Kappa holds Spring Induction Ceremony
Creston, IOWA—Beta Eta Nu, SWCC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, inducted new members during the 2022 Spring Induction Ceremony held on Thursday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the Instructional Center, room 180.
The guest speaker for the event was Jody Nedley-Newcomb, past advisor for the SWCC PTK chapter.
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Published April 29, 2022 3:34 pm

Creston Rotary announces 2022-23 SWCC scholarship recipients
The Creston Rotary announced and honored students selected as 2022-23 Southwestern Community College (SWCC) scholarship recipients on Monday, April 25, 2022, at 12 p.m., during a luncheon at A&G Steakhouse in Creston.
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Published April 29, 2022 2:21 pm

SWCC's Autumn Morrison awarded scholarship at Iowa TRIO Conference
Autumn Morrison, SWCC TRIO-Student Support Services member from Osceola, was awarded an Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) Foundation scholarship at the Iowa TRIO Conference banquet, held at the Honey Creek Resort, on April 20, 2022.
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Published April 28, 2022 8:19 am
Southwestern’s Board of Trustees Holds April 2022 Meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met by phone for their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the potential for extreme weather in SWCC’s region.
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Published April 14, 2022 2:41 pm

SWCC students headed to 2022 National SkillsUSA Championships
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) career and technical education students had a great run at the Iowa SkillsUSA Championships in Ankeny on Friday, April 8, 2022, with nine students placing first and therefore qualifying for the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 20-24.
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Published April 13, 2022 4:51 pm
SWCC and University of Iowa announce nursing partnership
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) and the University of Iowa (UI) will be finalizing a new partnership agreement allowing SWCC nursing graduates to seamlessly transfer to the UI College of Nursing to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees, during a formal signing ceremony on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 2 p.m., at the Allied Health and Science Center, on SWCC’s Creston campus.
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Published April 7, 2022 10:05 am
SWCC Parents as Teachers brings attention to child abuse prevention
Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes every community’s role in growing a better tomorrow for all children, together.
CRESTON, IA, March 29, 2022--Southwestern Community College's Parents as Teachers, Union County Family Support Council and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa recognizes the importance of community-based support for all children and families during National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign is “Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together.”
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Published March 30, 2022 5:25 pm
Iowa awarded congressional funding for college and career transition support
Iowa’s community colleges were awarded $2 million in federal funding for the College and Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) Initiative as a part of the omnibus spending bill approved by Congress and signed by President Biden last week. The Community Project Funding was supported by Iowa Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks and will support shared positions between high schools and community colleges statewide.
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Published March 24, 2022 11:03 am

SWCC recognized for commitment to STEM
Creston, Iowa – Southwestern Community College was presented with a flag at a recent Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council meeting in recognition of its ongoing commitment to driving STEM education and awareness in Iowa.
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Published March 11, 2022 3:23 pm
SWCC board holds March 2022 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.
The first action item on the agenda was consideration of the fiscal year 2023 budget. A public hearing was held and no oral or written objections or petitions were heard or submitted. The board approved the budget as presented.
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Published March 10, 2022 11:42 am

Two SWCC students named to 2022 All-Iowa Academic Team
Two Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students, Kaci Abildtrup of Creston, and Thomas Esterhuyse of Western Cape, South Africa, were honored as members of the 2022 All-Iowa Academic Team during a recognition ceremony sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and held Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at 6 p.m., at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.
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Published March 4, 2022 2:54 pm
Iowa’s community colleges add more than $5.5 billion to Iowa’s economy
FEBRUARY 15, 2022, Des Moines, Iowa--Today, the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees released an Economic Impact report about Iowa’s community colleges by Emsi Burning Glass. The report shows a $5.5 billion impact to Iowa’s economy, including the support of 87,149 jobs to Iowans during the last year. The full report, along with an executive summary and fact sheets can be found here: https://www.iacct.com/our-community-colleges/economic-value-of-iowas-community-colleges-2022.
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Published February 15, 2022 1:28 pm

Southwestern president to receive Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, February 10, 2022--Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) will recognize 20 college presidents with the Paragon President Award during PTK Catalyst 2022, the society’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado, April 7-9. Southwestern's president, Dr. Marjorie McGuire-Welch, is among the 20 honorees.
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Published February 10, 2022 2:31 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds February 2022 meeting
Feb. 9, 2022, CRESTON, IOWA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.
The board set a public hearing for review and approval of the college’s fiscal year 2023 budget. The public hearing will be held on March 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
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Published February 9, 2022 4:42 pm

Greater Regional Health establishes endowment in memory of former college administrator
Greater Regional Health (GRH) recently committed to a gift of $50,000 for the purpose of establishing an endowment through Southwestern Community College’s Education Foundation in memory of longtime college administrator and men’s basketball coach William “Bill” Taylor, who passed away in 2019.
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Published January 14, 2022 9:38 am
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds January 2022 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., for their regular monthly board meeting.
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Published January 12, 2022 10:18 am

SWCC honors Tom Lesan for 40 years of service
Creston, IA—Tom Lesan, Southwestern Community College (SWCC) vice president of economic development, was honored at the college’s all-staff in-service, held on Friday, Jan. 7, 2021, in the college’s Instructional Center, for achieving a milestone 40 years of service to the college.
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Published January 11, 2022 4:40 pm

SWCC automotive students place at 2021 Iowa auto skills contest
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students Marshall Eddleman and Wyatt Vasey, both of Winterset, placed fourth in the hands-on portion of the 2021 DMACC/IADA High School Automotive Skills Contest on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny. This competition recognizes some of the best high school auto technicians in the state.
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Published December 17, 2021 3:23 pm
Southwestern’s board holds December 2021 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.
Dr. Tony Cass of Creston, board president, told the board Carmalee Woods, board secretary, had noted recently re-elected board members Kevin Britten of Red Oak, Jane Ernst of Greenfield, Jerry Smith of Osceola, and Zach Gunsolley of Diagonal have all completed their Oath of Office affidavits as prescribed by law.
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Published December 15, 2021 2:22 pm

Chamber Singers performing in Des Moines next week
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Chamber Singers will be touring in the Des Moines area the week of November 29-December 3, presenting “Sure On This Shining Night” with carols and masterworks by Lauridsen, Mattson, Poulenc, Take 6, Weir, and Whitacre. The public is invited to attend.
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Published November 23, 2021 3:38 pm

SWCC carpentry program donating student-constructed doghouses
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) carpentry and building trades program is donating six finished doghouses to Creston’s animal rescue organizations Dog Gone Rescue, Inc. and Creston Animal Rescue.
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Published November 19, 2021 8:30 am
Southwestern’s board holds November 2021 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
Tia Samo, SWCC chief financial officer, spoke about a resolution regarding the refunding of two outstanding Dorm Revenue Bonds belonging to the college. Samo said according to projections received from the college’s financial advisor, Speer Financial, the refinancing of the bonds at lower interest rates could generate a savings of approximately $650,000.
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Published November 10, 2021 2:24 pm

Gannon named SWCC Osceola Center coordinator
Tisha Gannon of Osceola has been named coordinator of Southwestern Community College’s Osceola Center. She replaces Sue Stearns of Woodburn, who has been the coordinator at the Osceola Center since 2013.
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Published November 8, 2021 8:27 am
Southwestern Community College board holds October 2021 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the Administration Center.
The board approved consent agenda items, including the tentative agenda, payables, and depository resolution.
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Published October 14, 2021 8:25 am

Red Oak Center hosting nursing open house
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Red Oak Center is hosting a Nursing Program Open House, on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 4-7 p.m., to feature the college’s nursing program and highlight Red Oak’s registered nursing offerings. Future SWCC students and the general public are invited to attend.
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Published October 13, 2021 9:42 am
SWCC board approves criminal justice instructor in special session
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically in special session on Tuesday, Sept. 28., at 8 a.m.
During the meeting, the board approved the employment of Marc Elcock for the position of criminal justice instructor for the 2021-22 academic year. Elcock will replace Travis Hamilton, who is leaving Southwestern for other employment.
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Published September 28, 2021 9:57 am
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds September 2021 meeting
Creston—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
In personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Travis Hamilton, criminal justice instructor. Hamilton asked to be released prior to the end of his current contract. The board approved Hamilton’s resignation based on a mutually agreed upon date, provided college administration is able to secure a suitable replacement for the position.
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Published September 16, 2021 10:11 am
College fair being hosted at Creston High School
The Iowa Association for College Admissions Counseling (IACAC) and Southwestern Community College (SWCC) are hosting a college fair on Wed., September 22, from 1:30–3 p.m., at the Creston Community High School Gymnasium, 601 West Townline Street, in Creston.
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Published September 10, 2021 2:44 pm
ACT Boot Camp to be held at SWCC on Oct. 6
CRESTON — The TRIO Talent Search (TS) program at Southwestern Community College is hosting an ACT Boot Camp on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., in the college’s Instructional Center, room 220, to assist high school students in preparation for the ACT Test.
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Published September 8, 2021 4:31 pm
TS program receives $2.1 million in grant funds
CRESTON—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) recently received word from the United States Department of Education that funding has been renewed for the college’s TRIO Talent Search (TS) program. The $2.1 million grant will be funded at $438,253 per year for five years. This is an increase of $300,000 from the previous grant, which was a total of $1.8 million over five years.
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Published August 12, 2021 9:58 am

Osceola Food employees headed to SWCC for training
CRESTON — Representatives from Southwestern Community College (SWCC) were on-hand Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Osceola Food, a local manufacturing facility owned by Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), to sign five Osceola Food employees for SWCC’s industrial technology program and one Osceola Food employee for SWCC’s electrical technology program in Creston.
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Published July 16, 2021 3:09 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds June 2021 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., for their regular board meeting.
In personnel, the board moved to extend the contracts of Lindsay Stoaks, vice president of instruction, and John Franklin, assistant vice president of instruction, through June 30, 2022, with salary increases of 3.25 percent.
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Published June 9, 2021 4:39 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds May 2021 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met for their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the Agricultural Sciences Center.
Following a report by Tia Samo, SWCC chief financial officer, the board approved a $5 per credit hour tuition increase for the 2021-22 academic year. With this increase, SWCC’s in-state tuition and fees will be $202 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition and fees will be $209 per credit hour. Proposed changes to the course fees for the following classes were approved as well: ADN 561 medical surgical nursing II; PNN 172 fundamentals of nursing; MUA 101 applied voice; and MUA 201 applied voice II.
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Published May 12, 2021 4:55 pm

Southwestern athletic department hosting 21st annual golf tournament
After a one-year hiatus, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southwestern Community College athletic department is hosting its 21st Annual 4-Person Best Shot Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 15, at Crestmoor Golf Club, 1801 W. Townline St., in Creston. Tee times will be 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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Published April 26, 2021 11:29 am

SWCC honor society holds Spring 2021 Induction Ceremony
Southwestern Community College’s Beta Eta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) held its Spring 2021 Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the Student Center gymnasium.
During the ceremony, 2020-21 officers were honored for their service and 2021-22 officers were inducted into their officer positions. Outgoing chapter officers included Jill Wallace of Greenfield, president; Tessa Powers of Creston, vice president; and alternative officers-VPs Riley Beard of Diagonal, Eric Desbois of Brooklin, Ontario, Canada, and Matt Rinehart of Creston. Incoming officers for the 2021-22 year include Chase Miner of Leon, president; Heylee Shields of Creston, vice president of fellowship; Thomas Esterhuyse of Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa, vice president of leadership; and Liberty Armstrong of Creston, vice president of service.
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Published April 22, 2021 1:25 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds April 2021 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met by phone for their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to social distancing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC vice president of instruction, presented to the board regarding the addition of an early childhood education certificate. Stoaks said as a part of the early childhood education (ECE) curriculum, students will have opportunities to learn foundational skills in the ECE field while fulfilling many of the requirements associated with obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA), which is a nationally-recognized credential earned by those working in the early childhood care and education field. The stand-alone certificate program will require completion of 13 credits. All of the coursework will be delivered online. In a memo to the board, Stoaks said SWCC has offered ECE coursework, through its partnership with the Iowa Community College Online Consortium, since 2008. Following Stoaks presentation, the board unanimously approved the addition of the early childhood education certificate program.
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Published April 14, 2021 4:54 pm

Two SWCC students named to 2021 All-Iowa Academic Team
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) students Tessa Powers of Creston and Jill Wallace of Greenfield were honored as members of the 2021 All-Iowa Academic Team during a virtual recognition ceremony sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in March.
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Published April 12, 2021 9:16 am
SWCC board holds March 2021 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The board held the meeting electronically due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first action item on the agenda was consideration of the fiscal year 2022 budget. A public hearing was held and no oral or written objections or petitions were heard or submitted. The board approved the budget as presented.
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Published March 15, 2021 2:20 pm

Crittenden announces retirement at SWCC board meeting
CRESTON, Iowa—Dr. Barb Crittenden, who has been president at Southwestern Community College since November 1996, announced today she will retire later this year. Crittenden made her announcement during this evening’s regular monthly board meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the college’s Administration Center.
“I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of Southwestern for nearly 40 years, including the past 24 years as president,” said Crittenden. “During that time, faces and names have changed, but the college has consistently had a strong core of faculty, staff, and board members who believe in the mission of community colleges and work hard every day to provide opportunities for the students and communities we serve.”
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Published March 9, 2021 6:37 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds February 2021 meeting
Feb. 10, 2021, CRESTON, IOWA—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met electronically on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published February 10, 2021 4:28 pm

Coulter and Gordon honored for years of service to Southwestern
Creston, IA—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) employees were honored in January, at the college’s all-staff in-service, for their years of service to the institution. Two of these employees, Ann Coulter (pictured above left) of Creston and Kysa Gordon (pictured above right) of Lenox, have achieved more than 35 years of service each.
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Published February 8, 2021 1:22 pm
Fall 2021 scholarship opportunities available to students
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) has a variety of scholarship opportunities available to new and returning students for the 2021-22 academic year.
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Published February 5, 2021 10:53 am
Iowa Wesleyan joins the ICCOC
For the first time in its history, the Iowa Community College Online Consortium (ICCOC) will add a four-year university to its membership. Iowa Wesleyan University (IW) will become part of the ICCOC as a Tier 4 partner beginning in the summer of 2021.
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Published February 4, 2021 12:18 pm
Southwestern’s board of trustees holds January 2021 meeting
Creston—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., for their regular monthly board meeting. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published January 13, 2021 4:11 pm
Southwestern board holds December 2020 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published December 11, 2020 2:08 pm
Southwestern’s board holds November 2020 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting electronically on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published November 13, 2020 9:42 am

Southwestern ag student receives nationwide award
Southwestern Community College sophomore ag business student Cody Miller of Thayer was recently honored by Kubota Tractor Corp., in partnership with the Farmer Veteran Coalition, as one of five farmer veterans nationwide to receive Kubota equipment as part of the 2020 Geared to Give program.
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Published October 29, 2020 10:56 am

Phi Theta Kappa holds fall 2020 inductions
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) hosted fall 2020 new member virtual inductions for the Beta Eta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 5:30 p.m.
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Published October 29, 2020 10:02 am

SWCC criminal justice instructor graduates from FBI Citizens Academy
Diogenes "Dio" Ayala, Southwestern Community College criminal justice instructor, of Winterset, graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Citizens Academy program on Oct. 14, 2020.
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Published October 28, 2020 1:13 pm

Southwestern board holds October 2020 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., in the Agricultural Sciences Center on the Creston campus.
Following the approval of consent agenda items, including the tentative agenda, payables, and depository resolution, the board recessed to hold an exempt collective bargaining strategy session.
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Published October 14, 2020 5:02 pm
Board of trustees holds September 2020 meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published September 11, 2020 2:16 pm

SWCC board approves English instructor in special session
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically in special session on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 8:15 a.m.
During the meeting, the board approved the employment of Dr. Daniel Platt as an English instructor for the 2020-21 academic year.
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Published August 20, 2020 3:26 pm
Southwestern awarded TRIO SSS grant
CRESTON,IOWA. (August 14, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Education announced that Southwestern Community College will receive a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant of $312,549 to help more students succeed in and graduate from college. Southwestern’s SSS program services 180 students each year and has helped hundreds of students graduate and transfer to four-year universities throughout the years. The college has had a successful TRIO-SSS grant since 1997.
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Published August 19, 2020 2:22 pm
Board of trustees holds August 2020 meeting
The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met electronically on Tues., Aug. 11, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published August 13, 2020 5:41 pm

SWCC student Jill Wallace named 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
Jackson, Mississippi — Jill Wallace of Greenfield, a sophomore at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) in Creston, is one of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2020 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. Nearly 700 applications were received.
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Published July 31, 2020 10:12 am

Ethan Pitt named America’s SBDC Iowa Rising Star
AMERICA’S SBDC IOWA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENT OF RISING STAR AWARD
AMES, Iowa – Ethan Pitt, regional director of the South Central Iowa Small Business Development Center, at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) in Creston, has been named as the America’s SBDC Iowa Rising Star for 2020.
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Published June 8, 2020 10:20 am
Southwestern student awarded national NCLEX Scholarship
Cameo Gerken of Eagleville, Missouri, a recent Southwestern Community College practical nursing graduate, was selected as one of 15 Phi Theta Kappa members in the United States to receive the Hurst Review NCLEX® Scholarship to help cover the cost of NCLEX exam fees and study materials.
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Published June 2, 2020 2:06 pm

Arnold Motors donates to Southwestern’s collision repair/refinish program
Arnold Motors Automotive Parts Store of Creston recently donated sandpaper, valued at $2500, to the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish program.
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Published May 28, 2020 10:05 am

Pre-nursing courses offered FREE to high school students
High school students from Southwestern Community College’s region have a unique online learning opportunity this summer! Beginning June 8, Southwestern is offering three credit courses from the pre-nursing outline; due to state funding through the Summer College Credit Program, students are eligible to complete these courses free of charge!
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Published May 22, 2020 3:56 pm
Southwestern’s Board of Trustees Holds May 2020 Meeting
Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met electronically for their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to social distancing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published May 15, 2020 3:56 pm

Phi Theta Kappa holds spring 2020 induction ceremony
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) hosted its spring 2020 induction for the Beta Eta Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) virtually on Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 5:30 p.m.
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Published May 1, 2020 1:18 pm

Southwestern announces 2020 student awards
April 29, 2020, CRESTON, IOWA—Congratulations to the 2020 Southwestern Community College Student Awards and Recognition recipients! These student award winners are normally announced during an awards ceremony held at Southwestern’s Creston campus during Pay it Forward (PIF) Week in late-April; however, due to the nation’s current social distancing requirements, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the college was not able to hold its annual face-to-face ceremony. Award recipients’ certificates and a ceremony program will be mailed to their home addresses on file at the college.
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Published April 29, 2020 5:19 pm

Southwestern gives back to area partners
During these unprecedented times, created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Southwestern Community College has been working closely with its regional partners to give back when the college is able to do so.
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Published April 21, 2020 10:21 am
Southwestern’s board holds April 2020 meeting
Creston—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met electronically for their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was held electronically due to social distancing requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Published April 16, 2020 1:48 pm
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