Independence Community College is pleased to announce the transition of Tamara Blaes to Rural Outreach Program Director. Blaes previously served ICC as the Professor of Business Computer Technology for thirteen years.
“I am excited about this new role,” explained Blaes. “It provides the opportunity to increase area enrollment and bring awareness to programs we offer that would lead students to the high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.”
A Cherryvale native, Blaes was a First-Generation college student. “I was the first in my family to attend college,” explained Blaes. “When I was navigating this process for myself, I had to figure a lot of it out on my own; there were no additional resources to help with that. I want to be able to help today’s students with that process.”
Blaes received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education with a minor in Special Education, and her Master of Science in Business Education from Emporia State University. She also holds 30 additional graduate hours in Instructional Design and Education Technology.
The Office of Rural Area Development focuses on raising awareness of postsecondary options to students living in a rural Kansas community.
“We will be focusing on developing and implementing data to build evidence-based strategies to promote our various educational opportunities to our rural area students,” described Blaes. “We want to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in high-need occupations, including career training that leads to good jobs in the fields relevant to the regional economy. We also will focus on raising awareness and access to paid internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.”
Blaes resides in Cherryvale with her husband Jim and enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, and quilting in her spare time.