Collins and Scharf Honored with Outstanding Community Colleges Awards

Emily Denholm, Public Information Office
12/5/2024

Iowa Central Community College proudly celebrates the recognition of Joel Collins and Sara Scharf, who were honored at the Community Colleges for Iowa Convention held in Des Moines on Wednesday, December 4. These awards are part of the Outstanding Community College Awards, which spotlight one faculty and one staff member from each of Iowa's community colleges.

The awards honor leaders who advance accessible, excellent education across the state. Both Joel Collins and Sara Scharf exemplify the values of dedication, innovation, and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Iowans.

Joel Collins – Outstanding Faculty Award

Joel Collins, recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, has demonstrated extraordinary dedication as a faculty member at Iowa Central Community College. Joel teaches both credit and non-credit courses in various formats, including face-to-face and hybrid. His contributions span multiple campuses, regional centers, and prisons, as well as providing training for businesses and industries.

Joel recently transformed his program into a proficiency-based learning opportunity, allowing students to gain practical, paid work experience while earning their degrees. His innovative approach reflects his unwavering commitment to enhancing education and workforce readiness in the region. 

Sara Scharf – Outstanding Staff Award

Sara Scharf, who has been a valued member of the Iowa Central Community College staff for over 20 years, was recognized with the Outstanding Staff Award. Sara is distinguished by her professionalism, collaborative spirit, and compassionate approach to her work. She consistently creates a supportive environment for staff, faculty, and students, making everyone feel valued and respected.

Sara’s exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills are matched by her warm demeanor and dedication to student success. Her decision-making reflects her commitment to aligning the college's goals with the needs of the community it serves. Sara’s contributions over the last two decades have left an indelible mark on Iowa Central.

Iowa Central Community College is proud to celebrate the achievements of Joel and Sara, whose tireless efforts embody the mission of Iowa’s community colleges: providing accessible, high-quality education, and fostering opportunities for success.

 

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Iowa Central Community College serves a nine-county area consisting of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, and Wright. The college offers more than 99 academic programs, over 30 athletic programs, and numerous performing arts opportunities. Iowa Central partners with high school districts within the region to offer college credits as well. Iowa Central’s Fort Dodge campus spans across a 114-acre site where approximately 1,200 students live in apartment-style residences. Additionally, Iowa Central has campuses in Storm Lake and Webster City, and Career Academies in Laurens, Eagle Grove, and Jefferson. Besides traditional academic offerings, Iowa Central also provides services for local and area businesses through a variety of programs, career connections, and community education. To learn more, visit iowacentral.edu.