Joe Dunlap: NIC's new leader

Here was day one on the job for Joe Dunlap as new president at North Idaho College:

Meeting with staff, ribbon cutting ceremony, pinning ceremony, tour of NIC Really Big Raffle house, untold number of phone calls and emails, and sitting down to answer questions from The Press.

The former president of Spokane Community College has never been one to shy away from rolling up his sleeves and going to work.

Don't quit, be persistent. That's what guided him yesterday, that's what guides him today, and what will guide him tomorrow.

What are your thoughts now that's you've started at NIC?

Fantastic organization.

When you heard about this job, what made you want it?

I wanted to be at a stand-alone college, in a beautiful location that had an outstanding reputation.

What do you see as unique to NIC?

Beautiful location.

What are the biggest challenges facing NIC?

Accommodating growth with appropriate programs and facilities.

Biggest assets?

Its employees and community support.

Is there a solution to the rising cost of education? Are lower-income, middle-class students being priced out of college?

No, there are a myriad of variables that influence the rising cost of education at the same time states are providing less and less funding to support higher education. Colleges, which have traditionally been state supported, are becoming more state assisted and at some point may only be state recognized, while the additional cost of education is being borne by students. It is becoming increasingly more expensive for lower and middle class students and their families to access higher education and as a result students are incurring much higher levels of educational loan debt.

Is college still basically the same place as it always has been? Teachers speak, students listen, students repeat it and get a grade.

Absolutely not. Education is evolving with new technologies, modalities and "just in time" shorter term training. Students want more flexibility in scheduling and are more actively involved as a partner in the learning process. Based on prior learning and life experiences students help construct their own meaning during the learning process and faculty are more apt to be facilitators of learning rather than the repository of all knowledge.

Is college still worth the money?

Absolutely, public community colleges are the most cost effective higher education solution; providing the best educational bang for the buck.

How will you make an impact?

Help lead the college and community on how we can best serve our students, continue to provide high quality education, and best meet the needs of our community/constituents.

What do you see as your key roles?

Providing leadership on campus and in the community to accomplish organizational goals.

Any changes coming in regards to the relationship between NIC and the community?

I hope to continue building positive relationships in the community and on campus as well as singing the praises of all the good things NIC accomplishes.

If you could tell folks any one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am persistent and will not give up on initiatives that are in the best interest of the institution.

How about any one thing about NIC?

Of the 1,200 plus community colleges in the country, NIC is the best kept secret.