Kirkwood Community College

Abstract

Kirkwood Community College is a large community college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is considered one of the premier community colleges in the country. It has a history of being a maverick in the world of community colleges and is known for its innovative approach to education. The College boasts having the only luxury teaching hotel in the country, leads the State in the pass rate for its nursing program coming in with an average of just under 100%, and graduates the largest number of agriculture students in the country for a two-year college. Kirkwood has marched to the tune of its own drummer since its founding and been a member of the board college for the League for Innovation in the Community College since 1987. Innovation and excellence are the lifeblood of this community college. This chapter will focus on the history and culture of Kirkwood as well as the impact it has made in terms of its innovative approach to education and how that innovation has flourished and grown over five different presidents and more than 50 years.