Independence Community College (ICC) is pleased to announce three finalists in the search for the College’s next president. Following a comprehensive national search, the ICC Presidential Search Committee has selected candidates who bring a depth of experience in higher education leadership, student success, and community engagement.

The finalists include Dr. Richard DeShields, Dr. Isaias McCaffery, and James P. Arnold. Each candidate offers a unique perspective and a strong commitment to advancing the mission of ICC and serving Southeast Kansas.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Presidential Search Committee for their dedicated and thorough work throughout this process,” explained John Eubanks, ICC Board Chair. “After carefully reviewing a competitive pool of candidates, the committee has successfully identified three outstanding finalists who will move forward to the interview stage. This is a significant milestone in our search, and it would not have been possible without the commitment, thoughtfulness, and countless hours invested by each committee member. We are confident that the finalists selected represent the very best of what this search has to offer, and we look forward to the continued engagement of our campus and community in the next phase of the process.”

Each finalist will participate in campus visits over the next several weeks, providing opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and community members to meet the candidates and share feedback.

“Selecting the next president of Independence Community College is one of the most important decisions for the future of our institution,” said ICC Interim President Taylor Crawshaw. “These candidates bring strong experience in enrollment growth, academic leadership, and student engagement, along with a deep understanding of the evolving needs of community colleges. I am confident our campus community will be impressed by their vision and leadership.”

 

Finalist Highlights

James P. Arnold

James P. Arnold currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Athletics at Columbia College, where he provides leadership across multiple divisions, oversees more than 200 employees, and manages a $27 million operating budget.

Arnold has led major initiatives focused on enrollment growth, student retention, and operational efficiency, including the development of a strategic tuition optimization plan and expanded recruitment pipelines across multiple campuses. His experience includes overseeing nationwide satellite locations, launching new academic programs, and strengthening partnerships with academic affairs to enhance student success. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and strong community engagement.

Dr. Richard DeShields

Dr. Richard DeShields brings more than 30 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education and currently serves as Vice President of Student Engagement, Athletics, and Auxiliary Services at Miles Community College.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. DeShields has built a career centered on expanding access and fostering student success. He led the development of a dual-enrollment and college-readiness initiative that increased participation across regional high schools by 650%, significantly strengthening recruitment and workforce alignment. His experience also includes strategic planning, accreditation leadership, and managing multimillion-dollar budgets, along with a strong emphasis on collaboration, inclusive leadership, and building partnerships that support both students and communities.

Dr. Isaias McCaffery

Dr. Isaias McCaffery has served Independence Community College for more than 25 years as a Professor of History and now holds the title of Professor Emeritus.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. McCaffery has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, and institutional service. In addition to teaching a wide range of history courses, he has served in leadership roles, including Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division and President of the Faculty Association. A respected scholar and award-winning historian, Dr. McCaffery is also actively engaged in the local community and regional professional organizations, bringing a strong understanding of ICC’s history, mission, and role in Southeast Kansas.

Independence Community College remains committed to a transparent and inclusive search process as it works to identify its next president. Finalists will visit campus over the coming weeks, with Dr. Richard DeShields scheduled for Thursday, April 23, James Arnold on Thursday, April 30, and Dr. Isaias McCaffery on Thursday, May 7. Each visit will include opportunities for campus and community engagement, with sessions facilitated by members of the search committee.

Community members are invited to meet the candidates during a Community Event held at 11:30 a.m. in the Fab Lab on each interview day.