Kirkwood Benton County

Ryan Shipley is a senior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. Read on to find out more about his experiences taking college credit courses...

When did you start taking college credit classes?

I took the stick welding class the summer before my senior year.

Which courses and/or academies have you enjoyed the most?

So far, I have enjoyed the welding/advanced manufacturing class the most due to the range of knowledge and topics I'm learning about and my supportive instructor always offering help.

What has been the most surprising thing you have learned (about a specific subject, topic, or even yourself) after taking college credit coursework?

The most surprising thing I have learned is the history of welding and how many people went into creating the processes and how many types of welding there have been throughout the years.

Who (Kirkwood instructor, staff, etc.) has made a lasting impact on you?

Scott Corell has been a great teacher for me so far in the way he helps me build confidence in myself and helps me learn how to figure out problems on my own. He is always willing to help, but not without a snarky comment here and there.

How do you feel taking college credit classes better prepares students for their futures?

I feel like taking dual credit classes is a great thing for all students to help them figure out if that field is really what they want to do after high school. Having that experience also looks great on a resume.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I plan on going to the 2-year Kirkwood welding program after high school and possibly the CNC or diesel mechanics program after that.

We commend Ryan for his hard work and dedication, and wish him continued success in the years to come!

Know someone we should feature for our next Student Spotlight? Email Mike at michael.jacobsen@kirkwood.edu to nominate our next great student!

• • Aug. 12 Fall session (Aug. - Dec.) registration deadline
  • Sept. 9 Late start (Sept. or Oct.) registration deadline
  • Oct. 13 Winter (Dec. - Jan.) registration opens

  
  

  New students go to www.kirkwood.edu/cchs for more information on how to get started.

  
  

  Returning students register at www.kirkwood.dualenroll.com.

  
  

  Reach out to your high school counselor or contact Lynette Stourac at lynette.stourac@kirkwood.edu with questions!

Which courses do you teach?

This will be my second year teaching the Patient Care Academy classes at Benton Community High School. Last year I taught Medical Terminology and the Certified Nursing Assistant program (Nurse Aide). This year, I will also teach Explorations in Health Careers.

How long have you taught?

Teaching concurrent enrollment classes to high school students is new to me; however, over the past 15 years, I have taught various classes, precepted students, and facilitated nursing clinical at St. Luke's Hospital.

What do you enjoy most about teaching students?

I love watching my students learn, grow, and succeed as an individual. It is even better when my students teach me something! I frequently say, "you learn something new every day." There is always more to learn or relearn. I enjoy creating an open, enjoyable, and fun environment where we can all learn together. Seeing the students enjoy class while learning is very rewarding.

Who has made the most lasting impact on you as an instructor?

I can not think of one single person who has made a huge impact on me. Throughout my nursing career I have worked with amazing coworkers, instructors, students, and leaders. I value the knowledge and constructive criticism that has been shared with me. I seek out opportunities to learn and grow, then share that knowledge to help others succeed.

How do you feel taking college credit courses (yours and/or others) while in high school better prepares students for their futures?

High school to college can be a difficult transition. College is more demanding; students must be more responsible and independent. Taking the courses in high school helps the student develop time management skills and preferred learning methods. It is also a cost-effective way to get a jump start on a college degree or test out a career path. I would encourage every high school student to take at least one college class before they graduate. Kirkwood has an incredible support system, full of resourceful individuals who want you to succeed!​

We thank Brittney for all she does to help students achieve their very best!

Know someone we should feature for our next Instructor Spotlight? Email Mike at michael.jacobsen@kirkwood.edu to nominate our next great instructor!

The WLC internship application portal for first-semester internship opportunities is NOW OPEN for current high school sophomores and juniors!

Get an in-depth look at a career of interest, gain employability skills, and earn dual credit.

To learn more and apply now go to: https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/internships/index

"I learned so much from my internship, including how to talk to people and how to cut hair. My internship has been an amazing experience. If any student has room in their schedule for an internship, I definitely recommend it. It has been the best part of my high school experience."

Meeting to focus on college's workforce and training efforts in Benton County

Kirkwood Community College will hold the next meeting of the institution's Benton County Leadership Council on May 15, from 1-2:30 p.m., at Kirkwood's Benton County Center in Vinton. Kirkwood President Kristie Fisher, college officials, local community leaders and members of the general public are all expected to be in attendance.

The meeting will be the second for the County Leadership Council, which brings key stakeholders together for a conversation about how Kirkwood's impactful resources are utilized in their community as well as how the college can address other pressing needs. The discussion will center on the institution's workforce and training efforts in Benton County, including what Kirkwood offers currently. In addition, college leaders would like to hear ideas from those attending about how the college can further serve their region.

Kirkwood Benton County Center Director Kasey Keeling sees the meeting as an opportunity to broaden the college's reach and strengthen its role in the county. "Kirkwood's goal is to be a valuable partner in Benton County's growth, and this meeting allows us to hear directly from those we serve," said Keeling. "By working together, we can continue to develop programs that align with local workforce needs and create more opportunities for success. It's important that we continue adapting to meet the changing demands of businesses and job seekers alike. We encourage everyone to join the conversation and share their insights."

The college plans to hold two County Leadership Council meetings per year in the fall and spring.

For more information, and to RSVP, please contact the Kirkwood Benton County Center at 319-472-2318 or email Kasey Keeling at kasey.keeling@kirkwood.edu.

*****EVENT*****

What: Kirkwood Community College Benton County Leadership Council Meeting

Where: The Kirkwood Benton County Center, 111 W 3rd Street in Vinton

When: Thursday, May 15, from 1-2:30 p.m.

Who can attend: The meeting is open to the public

RSVP: The Kirkwood Benton County Center at 319-472-2318 or kasey.keeling@kirkwood.edu

Located just off Highway 150 in downtown Vinton, Kirkwood's Benton County Center offers a full range of services for students, closer to home than you might expect! Whether you're looking to start your education, take some classes to recertify, or just need help locating a job, our Benton County Center in Vinton can be a great resource.

Email: Benton.County@kirkwood.edu
Website: https://www.kirkwood.edu/explore/locations/benton-county
Location: 111 West 3rd Street, Vinton, IA 52349, USA
Phone: 319-472-2318
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirkwoodbentoncounty/