The announcement formally launches Independence Community College’s 2026 Presidential Search and outlines the application timeline, committee structure, and anticipated selection date.
Presidential Search
The Search For The
19th President
As we begin the process of selecting the 19th president of Independence Community
College, we are committed to a search that upholds the highest standards of integrity,
collaboration, and excellence. Building on nearly a century of educational service
and innovation, ICC seeks a visionary leader who will champion student success, strengthen
community partnerships, and guide the college toward an even brighter future.
Discover more about the President's role and our comprehensive search process below.
Dr. Richard DeShields - Thursday, April 23, 2026
Dr. DeShields serves as Vice President of Student Engagement, Athletics, and Auxiliary
Services at Miles Community College and brings more than 30 years of higher education
leadership experience. A first-generation college graduate, he has led significant
initiatives in dual enrollment, strategic planning, and student success, with a strong
commitment to access and community partnerships.
Time |
Event |
Facilitator |
Location |
|
8:45 am |
Meet & Greet with Executive Cabinet |
Taylor & David |
President’s Office |
|
9:00 am |
Executive Cabinet Interview Session |
Taylor |
President’s Office |
|
10:00 am |
Break |
- |
- |
|
10:15 am |
Community, Campus & Dorm Tour |
Kris F |
n/a |
|
11:30 am |
Community Meet & Greet and Interview Session |
Cody and Nick |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
12:00 pm |
Lunch |
Cody |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
1:00 pm |
Athletic Staff & Support Staff Interview Session |
Melissa & Anita |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
2:00 pm |
Student Interview Session |
David & Reyna |
Movie Theater |
|
2:30 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
2:45 pm |
Faculty Interview Session |
Allen, Heather |
AC 200 |
|
4:00 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
4:15 pm |
Trustee Interview Session |
All Trustees |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
TBD |
Dinner, Inge Event, and Interview Closing |
2 Trustees |
Fine Arts |
James P. Arnold - Thursday, April 30, 2026
Mr. Arnold currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing,
and Athletics at Columbia College. He brings extensive experience in enrollment growth,
strategic planning, and operational leadership, overseeing large teams and multimillion-dollar
budgets. His leadership focuses on data-informed decision-making, collaboration, and
strengthening student success initiatives.
Time |
Event |
Facilitator |
Location |
|
8:45 am |
Meet & Greet with Executive Cabinet |
Taylor & David |
President’s Office |
|
9:00 am |
Executive Cabinet Interview Session |
Taylor |
President’s Office |
|
10:00 am |
Break |
- |
- |
|
10:15 am |
Community, Campus & Dorm Tour |
Kris F |
n/a |
|
11:30 am |
Community Meet & Greet and Interview Session |
Cody and Nick |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
12:00 pm |
Lunch |
Cody |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
1:00 pm |
Athletic Staff & Support Staff Interview Session |
Melissa & Anita |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
2:00 pm |
Student Interview Session |
David & Reyna |
Movie Theater |
|
2:30 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
2:45 pm |
Faculty Interview Session |
Allen, Heather |
AC 200 |
|
4:00 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
4:15 pm |
Trustee Interview Session |
All Trustees |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
TBD |
Dinner, Brews & Dos Event, and Interview Closing |
2 Trustees |
TBD |
Dr. Isaias McCaffery - Thursday, May 7, 2026
Dr. McCaffery is a long-serving member of the ICC community, having dedicated more
than 25 years as a Professor of History and now Professor Emeritus. He has demonstrated
a deep commitment to academic excellence and institutional service, including leadership
roles within the College and active engagement in the local community.
Time |
Event |
Facilitator |
Location |
|
8:45 am |
Meet & Greet with Executive Cabinet |
Taylor & David |
President’s Office |
|
9:00 am |
Interview with Executive Cabinet |
Taylor |
President’s Office |
|
10:00 am |
Break |
- |
- |
|
10:15 am |
Community, Campus & Dorm Tour |
Kris F |
n/a |
|
11:30 am |
Interview OR Meet & Greet with Community |
Cody and Nick |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
12:00 pm |
Lunch |
Cody |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
1:00 pm |
Interview with Athletic Staff & Support Staff |
Melissa & Anita |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
2:00 pm |
Interview with Students |
David & Reyna |
Movie Theater |
|
2:30 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
2:45 pm |
Interview with Faculty |
Allen, Heather |
AC 200 |
|
4:00 pm |
Break |
- |
- |
|
4:15 pm |
Interview with Trustee(s) |
All Trustees |
Fab Lab 104 |
|
TBD |
Dinner and Interview Closing |
2 Trustees |
TBD |
Learn more about the Independence Community College presidential search and review the full presidential profile below.
Learn more about Independence Community College and Independence, Kansas.
| College Overview | Key Indicators |
Learn more about the key dates and milestones in the Presidential Search timeline.
Apr 20 2026
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Come see student artwork with closing reception on April 29th from 4-6pm
Apr 30 2026
All Day Independence Community College
James P. Arnold - Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. Arnold currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment...
May 7 2026
All Day Independence Community College
Dr. Isaias McCaffery - Thursday, May 7, 2026 Dr. McCaffery is a long-serving member of the...