Doug Ropa

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, studying sports management at the University of Iowa and working in the NBA, Ryan realized his true calling was serving his community. He discusses the dynamic nature of his role, the impact of guiding students through uncertainty and the power of a supportive team. Learn how the Cresco Center continues to foster learning across generations through youth programs, enrichment classes and local business outreach. Visit nicc.edu/cresco.

In this episode, host Amy Lasack is joined by Nic Hockenberry, director of workforce programming at Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, and Amy Green, director of program sales, contract training and outreach services at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), to explore how Dubuque is preparing its workforce for a rapidly changing future.Together, they unpack the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation on local industries and how the Opportunity Dubuque program is meeting the moment. From Career Pathway Certificates in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to semi-truck driving, childcare, culinary, sales and phlebotomy training, this episode dives into how GDDC and NICC are partnering to upskill workers and close critical talent gaps.If you're interested in the future of work, community-driven solutions or staying ahead in a tech-driven economy, this episode is for you. Check out nicc.edu/customized-solutions to learn more.

Amy sits down with NICC Head Baseball Coach Conner Klostermann to talk about the inaugural season of the new baseball program. Coach Klostermann shares his blueprint for success, from recruiting top student-athletes to building a culture of character and community. We also get an exclusive look at the highly anticipated Field of Dreams game on Oct. 10 against the University of Dubuque—a milestone event with over 600 fans ready to cheer on NICC Baseball.

Host Amy Lasack talks with Erin Shaw, Strategic Planning Manager at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) about soft skills and their critical role in organizations. Erin shares her preference for the term "real skills" in lieu of soft skills because they are actually difficult skills for individuals to master and apply to workplace environments. While employers might be hiring individuals for their technical skills, for what they're able to do on the job, they are also hoping that prospective employees play nice with others, work as a team and communicate well. Erin's "real skills" also involve stepping outside of our comfort zone and being able to manage uncertainty.Amy points out that soft skills are also critical for leaders to have opportunities to model what they're looking for, to act with empathy and be willing to admit mistakes; to be vulnerable in a situation with their employees.Erin holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri and has held several senior academic leadership roles at multiple community colleges. Resources:Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, Brené Brown“Field Notes,” Admired Leadership“Let’s stop calling them ‘soft skills,’” Seth Godin, MediumThe Promises of Giants, John Amaechi

Amy Lasack chats with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Athletic Director, Nick Weinmeister, to learn more about the transformation athletics will bring to the shared experience for students. The new sports at NICC join current sports offerings Esports and sports shooting; they include baseball, softball, dance and men's and women's cross country. Amy shares with listeners the athletic recruiting successes Nick, his staff and coaches are creating. Athletes have enrolled from all across Iowa, the region, the US and even internationally. The new student-athletes are enrolled for their first semester at NICC this fall. The sports teams, seven in all, will create buzz and excitement at the College's Calmar and Peosta campuses.Tune into this episode to learn about a scrimmage game between NICC and a local college hosted at the Field of Dreams movie site this October and learn how you can cheer on the teams.

Ever wonder what it takes to lead a thriving community college? On our very first episode of The Catalyst, host Amy talks with NICC Interim President Dave Dahms about his unique journey from the private sector to higher education. Dave shares how his passion for customer service and professional development guides his leadership. We'll dive into the critical role of community colleges in shaping the workforce and get an inside look at the new NICC strategic plan.Be a part of the conversation! Subscribe to The Catalyst for more impactful conversations and insights, and visit nicc.edu/strategicplan to learn more about the College's initiatives and strategic plan.