News Release

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A number of online courses are available during Southwestern Community College's (SWCC's) winter break.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Southwestern Community College (SWCC) has a variety of scholarship opportunities available to new and returning students for the 2021-22 academic year.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Arnold Motors Automotive Parts Store of Creston recently donated sandpaper, valued at $2500, to the Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish program.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.