Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills Community College was formed by the consolidation of three previously existing post-secondary education institutions: Iowa Tech-Area XV Community College, Centerville Community College, and Ottumwa Heights College . The first steps toward merger took place on June 3, 1966, under the guidance of the Iowa Board of Public Instruction, with operations beginning on July 1, 1966. [ 2 ] At first known as the Iowa Tech Area XV Community College, classes were held at the Ottumwa Regional Airport and consisted of technical programs formerly administrated by the Ottumwa public school district. Centerville Community College was added to the fold on July 1, 1968, with a new 72-acre campus completed in 1970. [ 2 ] The merged institutions were renamed Indian Hills Community College in 1970. [ 2 ]

Ottumwa The main campus is located in Ottumwa, encompassing all of the former Ottumwa Heights facilities, plus several other buildings added since the consolidation. Included are residential halls, Advance Technology Center, and the Hellyer Student Center, where the IHCC Warriors basketball team play. The second Ottumwa campus, known as North Campus, is based on 270 acres at Ottumwa Regional Airport . This campus is the base for IHCC's aviation programs, commercial driver training, welding technology center and auto collision repair programs. The Job Corps training facility is also located at the IHCC North campus.

The modular design of the IHCC-Centerville campus. "The Barn" at IHCC-Centerville is a popular place to grab a snack or study between classes. A third campus is located in Centerville, Iowa. Completed in 1970, the Centerville campus consists of a series of single-story modular buildings connected by walkways. It is located in a rural setting on the west edge of the community. [ 4 ] A variety of specialized technology programs as well as general education classes are offered at IHCC -Centerville. The IHCC Falcons, the college's baseball team, practice and play their home games at Pat Daugherty Field on the Centerville campus. [ 4 ] In May, 2013 school officials announced a major expansion to IHCC - Centerville's Sustainable agriculture program. Philanthropist and Appanoose County, Iowa native Morgan E. Cline donated $500,000 for the construction of a large greenhouse, learning center, classrooms, and distribution center for the produce grown. [ 5 ] The new complex, to be built adjacent to the Centerville IHCC campus, will also offer community outreach events such as tours and continuing education classes in subjects ranging from back yard gardening to food packaging. [ 6 ]

The college has experienced relatively low turnover in the school administration since its founding. Dr. Mel Everingham, who oversaw the merger of the disparate institutions into IHCC, remained on as the college's first President, serving until 1973. [ 2 ] Dr. Lyle Hellyer took over as president in 1973 and over the next twenty-eight years orchestrated considerable growth in campus facilities, student enrollment, and program offerings. He retired in 2001 and the Hellyer Student Life center is named in his honor. In 2001 Dr. Jim Linenmayer was named the third President of IHCC. [ 2 ] Linenmayer began his career at Indian Hills in 1980 as a college recruiter. [ 7 ] Under his leadership student enrollment increased by 45-percent, the Job Corps center was opened, and new academic programs were introduced. [ 7 ] In early May, 2013 Lindenmayer announced his retirement as IHCC President. [ 7 ] On May 13, 2013, the IHCC Board of Trustees named Dr. Marlene Sprouse as Lindenmayer's successor. Sprouse, previously the Executive Vice-president for Academic Affairs, becomes the colleges fourth President when Lindenmayer officially steps down in Fall, 2013. She is an IHCC alumnus and previously served as Dean of the IHCC - Centerville campus. [ 8 ]