The Catalyst

Northeast Iowa Community College
  • 4.4 (7)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Unlocking Opportunity: A Guide to WIOA and Workforce Support at NICC

    1D AGO

    Unlocking Opportunity: A Guide to WIOA and Workforce Support at NICC

    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.

    29 min
  2. The AI Playbook: Leadership, HR and Training in the Age of Automation

    JAN 28

    The AI Playbook: Leadership, HR and Training in the Age of Automation

    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.

    33 min
  3. Your One-Stop Shop for Workforce Training: NICC Customized Solutions

    JAN 21

    Your One-Stop Shop for Workforce Training: NICC Customized Solutions

    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.

    32 min
  4. The Heart of NICC: 2025 Reflections & 2026 Visions

    12/23/2025

    The Heart of NICC: 2025 Reflections & 2026 Visions

    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.

    8 min
  5. Dugout Energy & 12-Hour Days: The Modern Student-Athlete Blueprint

    12/17/2025

    Dugout Energy & 12-Hour Days: The Modern Student-Athlete Blueprint

    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.

    25 min
  6. From Resume to Reality: Unlocking Northeast Iowa's Career Potential with NICC

    12/10/2025

    From Resume to Reality: Unlocking Northeast Iowa's Career Potential with NICC

    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.

    36 min
  7. Meeting Students Where They're At: NICC Student Support

    12/03/2025

    Meeting Students Where They're At: NICC Student Support

    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.

    32 min
  8. Unsung Heroes: Inside NICC Operations and Customer Service Core

    11/26/2025

    Unsung Heroes: Inside NICC Operations and Customer Service Core

    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.

    27 min
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4.4
out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Northeast Iowa Community College
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Northeast Iowa Community College
  • Show Website
    The Catalyst