The Catalyst
Explore the people, programs and partnerships that make Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) more than a campus. From student success stories to behind-the-scenes of athletics, innovation and industry collaboration, each episode answers the question: What’s happening at NICC? Energetic, informative and always evolving, this is your inside look at the impact of community-driven education.
Episodes
Is your company's wellness strategy just a "nice-to-have," or is it deeply embedded in your organizational DNA? In this episode, we sit down with Flannery Cerbin-Bohach, Wellness and Life Stage Program Manager at Northeast Iowa Community College, to explore why a culture of well-being is more critical than ever in today's post-pandemic workforce. We dive into how NICC is revitalizing its culture by prioritizing mental, emo...
Is being named Amy a requirement to work at NICC? Host Amy Lasack clears up the rumors in this light-hearted yet high-impact episode. We sit down with Amy Gaffney (Student Services), Amy Green (Business & Community Solutions), and Amy Rausch (Respiratory Care) to explore how their distinct roles—ranging from student support to customized industry training—drive the college forward. Stick around to hear their "departmen...
Are you leading your team, or just "toughing it out"? In this episode, we sit down with Molly Knuth, Managing Director at The Restoration Project and host of The Found Podcast, to challenge the traditional myths of resilience and work-life balance. Molly shares her personal evolution from a high school teacher to a rural entrepreneur and strategist, offering a masterclass on why the most important connection a leader can m...
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the thought of returning to school? In this informational episode, we break down the three main lanes of NICC pathways: workforce, transfer and noncredit-to-credit. Discover how our competency-based model and 95% graduate success rate turn education from a gamble into a clear plan for your future.
Find the path for you at www.nicc.edu
In this episode of The Catalyst, we bridge the gap between regional talent and the skilled workforce. Kyra Bellrichard (NICC) and Diane Krentz (JB Holland Construction) join us to discuss Career Pathway Certificates (CPCs)—short-term, high-impact credentials designed to get students into high-demand careers quickly. We explore how these stackable certificates remove financial barriers through tuition assistance and wrap-ar...
At Northeast Iowa Community College, we believe that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the barriers they face. In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with our Director of Workforce Programming and Initiatives to pull back the curtain on the essential support systems that drive student success.
We take a deep dive into WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Title I and Title II, explain...
How do we bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and workplace behavior? This episode of The Catalyst features a deep dive into implementing generative AI with clarity and compliance with guests Celina Peerman, Destery Hildenbrand and Skye Mercer. Our guests share final wisdom on how to move from "AI curiosity" to "AI strategy," ensuring your team remains competitive and burnout-free.
What’s keeping local business owners up at night? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Greg Willging and Alison Holten from the NICC Contract Training team. They discuss how NICC serves as a "one-stop shop" for employers, identifying critical pain points—from the aging workforce "brain drain" to technical skills gaps—and turning those challenges into customized, impactful training solutions that ...
Celebrate the season with The Catalyst as we turn the microphone over to the heart of the College. This episode features holiday messages of joy and forward-looking insights from the dedicated staff and faculty who ensure every NICC student has the resources to succeed.
What does it actually take to join a collegiate sports program? Softball student-athlete Natalie Nenne joins The Catalyst to discuss the intensity of game days, the importance of team culture and why "dugout energy" is the secret weapon for the NICC softball team. Tune in for a look at the athleticism, communication and time-management skills required to succeed in the classroom and on the field.
Discover the vital role NICC plays in supporting students and the regional workforce. Guests Chris Entringer and Joni Knopp demonstrate how their collaborative Career Services team helps students navigate everything from course registration and transfer planning to resume assistance and career assessment for a successful career journey. They detail the powerful connections forged through targeted career fairs and advisory ...
Is college support only for full-time or "struggling" students? We sit down with Amy Gaffney, Vice President of Student Services, and Jennifer Wood, Director of Accessibility Services, to debunk the biggest myths about student support. Hear rewarding stories of students who transferred to four-year programs thanks to early support, discover the essential, non-loan assistance provided by the Student Crisis Fund and more. Le...
What truly makes an NICC educational experience high-quality? In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Catalyst, Director of Operations for Business and Community Solutions Kristi Flack reveals the detailed commitment of her team to flawlessly orchestrate everything from complex corporate training events to summer kids' camps. We explore the essential role of the Operations division as the ultimate generalists and infor...
For Northeast Iowa businesses and community members, financial aid isn't just for recent high school graduates. It's the engine that supports our local talent pipeline. Join NICC Financial Aid Director Randy Mashek and Assistant Director Dawn Fleming to learn all about financial aid at NICC, from the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, which provides free tuition for adults and students entering high-demand careers, to the simpl...
The world of competitive gaming is exploding on college campuses, and it’s about far more than just losing at Mario Kart! 🎮
In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack dives into the high-stakes, strategy-driven world of collegiate esports with NICC student-athlete Christopher Turnis, captain of the Valorant team.
Christopher, who is balancing a rigorous academic schedule with his athletic commitments, shares what it's...
The way we build, connect and power the world is changing—and NICC is leading the charge! 💡
In this forward-thinking episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Deans Mark Gerein and Greg Moklestad to dive deep into the revolution known as Industry 4.0, the interconnectedness of automation, data and manufacturing, and how it's redefining careers.
The Deans take us inside the newly renovated Advanced Technology Center and disc...
Just in time for Halloween, The Catalyst pulls back the curtain on the paranormal activity that haunts Northeast Iowa. We sit down with the Great River Investigative Paranormal Society (G.R.I.P.S), a community-focused team dedicated not to chasing ghosts but to telling the untold stories of those who came before us.
In this special episode, we explore their methodology and sharing the unique experiences they’ve had at Iowa'...
In this episode of The Catalyst, we pull back the curtain on competitive college dance, sitting down with the NICC Dance Coach Kylie Kirman. She’ll share a unique perspective on leadership in the world of dance, where artistic expression meets intense athleticism. Learn about the physical and mental demands placed on college dance athletes and how the team builds the teamwork required for championship performances.
What...
Navigating college should not be a solo mission. Are you maximizing your investment in education and career planning?
In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with two of NICC's most experienced academic advisors, Katie Kime and Lindsey Haas, to reveal the strategic advantage their role provides. They share decades of insights on supporting students—from the nervous high schooler to the busy adult learner—and discus...
In this inspiring episode, Ryan Kreitzer shares his unique journey from attending daycare at the Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar campus to leading the Cresco Center as its director. With deep family ties to the College — including his mother’s return to education and his great uncle’s role in founding the center — Ryan’s story is one of legacy, purpose and coming home.
After earning college credits in high school, s...
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