KANSAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE JOINS ASSOCIATION

  PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT:

KANSAS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE JOINS STATEWIDE ASSOCIATION

The school formerly known as Kansas City College and Bible School becomes the 21st member of the Kansas Independent College Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Topeka, Kansas, June 29th, 2023 – Kansas Christian College in Overland Park, KS has joined the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) as their 21st member institution. KICA, founded in 1970, is a not-for-profit organization that provides collaborative programming and state-wide advocacy to enhance its members' capacity to offer an affordable and valuable postsecondary education to all students

To be a KICA member institution, a Kansas college or university must be (1) Non-profit, (2) Regionally accredited, (3) Undergraduate degree offering, (4) Providing the majority of its educational offerings within the state of Kansas, and (5) In compliance with Kansas statutes regarding open enrollment. As Kansas Christian College, with an 80-year history of faith-based education, meets those five criteria, Monsignor Stuart Swetland, KICA Board Chair and President of Donnelly College stated, “Private education is essential to the common good. In particular, faith-based education serves a vital role in higher education institutions. At KICA, we see this as a joint effort. I am pleased to join with my fellow members in welcoming Kansas Christian College to our network and celebrate all that this fellowship will mean for Kansas higher education and its students.”

KCC is a ministry focused institution developing students with a life-long love for learning whether they are preparing to enter the marketplace or full-time ministry. With that in mind, Chad Pollard, Kansas Christian College President says, "We are delighted to have been approved for full membership with KICA; we have eagerly awaited this opportunity.  I appreciate how Matt, and my presidential colleagues within KICA have already made me feel a part of the community through our period of associate membership.  KICA is doing tremendous work on behalf of its member institutions across our great state, and we are excited to be a part of this higher education community as a full member." 

The Association’s membership also includes Baker University, Barclay College, Benedictine College, Bethany College, Bethel College, Central Christian College of Kansas, Cleveland University – Kansas City, Donnelly College, Friends University, Hesston College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Manhattan Christian College, McPherson College, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Newman University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, Sterling College, Tabor College, and the University of Saint Mary.

As to the accomplishment of growing the organization’s membership, KICA President, Matt Lindsey shared, "It is a testament to the strength of Kansas' private colleges that we are growing as a community. I am excited to have Kansas Christian College's engagement in our vibrant network of collaborative programs. Like the students of Kansas Christian College, we are all life-long learners, and I look forward to what our new member can teach us all."

The expansion of the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA) is another chance to highlight the economic impact this sect of higher education has on Kansas as a whole.

• Our network makes a $1.1 billion total economic contribution.
• The operations of Kansas’ independent colleges and universities support or sustain over 8,000 jobs
• Through its local spending and the jobs it supports or sustains, Kansas’ independent colleges and universities generate over $65 million in state and local taxes.
• The students, staff, and faculty of KICA colleges and universities contribute over
  $10 million annually in charitable giving and volunteerism.

The full economic contribution analysis and individual reports by college/university are available at https://kscolleges.org/page/Impact

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About Kansas Independent College Association: Headquartered in Topeka, KICA believes that students deserve an opportunity to choose a college or university that best fits their personal, educational, and financial needs. For more information, contact Vice President for Member Programs, Jesyca Hope, at jesyca@kscolleges.org or 785-554-0247.