Tessa Hill

From the evolution of network security to the rise of the AI Alliance, technology is changing everything about how we learn and work. Join Steve Smith and Jordan O’Connell in this episode of The Catalyst as they discuss modernizing campus infrastructure and why digital literacy is the new competitive edge for students and the modern workforce. We explore how NICC is balancing the rapid opportunities of AI with the essential need for data privacy and academic integrity.Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about the willingness to meet people exactly where they are. In this episode of The Catalyst, Dr. Erin Shaw and Dr. Emily Logan reflect on the moments that shaped their leadership styles and why empathy is the ultimate bridge for communication gaps. In a landscape often defined by authority and control, Erin and Emily are here to redefine leadership. Tune in for a candid conversation on how empathy transforms the way we solve problems and encourage those around us.

Can you maintain a campus leader status while surviving nursing school? On this episode of The Catalyst, we're joined by NICC nursing student Dolan Geerts, who proves that the answer is a resounding yes. Join us as we discuss the reality of student life, the various opportunities to get involved on the NICC Campus and the power of finding your sense of belonging. Discover how programs like Emerging Leaders and living in the College Suites provide the toolkit for both personal growth and academic success.

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, emotional and life-stage support—and how you can do the same. From the impact of wellness on employee retention and productivity to practical, low-cost initiatives that local business owners can implement tomorrow, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders at any stage of their wellness journey.

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 "departmental hacks" and the story of the "Quiet Amy".

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 make is the one with themselves.Explore Molly’s work at The Restoration Project and subscribe to The Found Podcast Connect with Molly at https://mkm.myflodesk.com/niccMolly's Upcoming Events with NICC:Trainer Talent Development Expo: March 18, Dubuque.Business Consortium: Becoming a More Collaborative Leader, June 10.

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-around supports while simultaneously providing local employers with a reliable pipeline of industry-ready professionals. Whether you are a business looking to solve the talent gap or a learner ready to jumpstart a new career, discover how NICC is fueling the regional economy one certificate at a time. Learn more about our upcoming CPCs at www.nicc.edu/cpc

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, explaining how these federal programs translate into real-world opportunities for our local community. From tuition assistance and career coaching to adult education and literacy, discover how NICC leverages these initiatives to empower students who exhibit incredible grit and resilience. Whether you are looking for a career change or interested in how NICC strengthens the regional economy, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people and programs building the workforce of tomorrow.

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 help companies thrive.

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 committees, which directly benefit NICC graduates and local employers. Tune in to hear everything Career Services has to offer for the Northeast Iowa community.

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. Learn how Northeast Iowa Community College meets every student where they are, ensuring financial, academic and emotional barriers don't stop them on their journey to success in Northeast Iowa. 

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 information specialists, ensuring they always have a Plan B. Learn how prioritizing customer service and organizational excellence drives repeat business and builds strong workforce partnerships for NICC. Plus, stick around until the end for surprise testimonials celebrating their behind-the-scenes impact.

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 simplified FAFSA process. We break down how scholarships, grants and specialized programs for every type of learner ensure that cost is not a barrier to upskilling, retraining or career advancement. Learn how NICC is investing in our shared future: nicc.edu/financialaid

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 truly like to compete in the world of esports.

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 discuss why this state-of-the-art facility is crucial for preparing the next generation of technicians, from power mechanics to computer science.

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's most historic and active locations. Find out how they balance high-tech equipment with human intuition to investigate paranormal activity.Plus, stick around for our Quick Fire: Haunt or Hoax to get a lightning-fast take on their favorite gear, biggest misconceptions and best advice for living with the unexplained, all guaranteed to send a chill up your spine!If you're interested in joining our next paranormal class at NICC, email Krista Walsh-Weitz at walsh-weitzk@nicc.edu to get your name on the waitlist!