Johnson County Community College opened its doors for the first day of the 2026‑2027 academic year on Monday, Aug. 24, welcoming returning and incoming students to the main campus in Overland Park.
New academic offerings
President Dr. Tony Miksa highlighted the college’s commitment to “help every student find a path to success.” Starting this fall, JCCC will add a general‑education course titled Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essentials. The class is designed to give students practical AI literacy, covering how modern tools work, applying AI to real‑world tasks, evaluating AI‑generated content for accuracy and bias, and discussing ethical, legal and privacy considerations.
In addition, the college introduced a new study‑away program, Hawaii: The Biodiversity & Cultures of the Hawai’ian Islands, scheduled for Fall 2026. The semester‑long course blends biology with anthropology and culminates in a seven‑day faculty‑led trip to Oahu, where participants will explore the islands’ natural and cultural diversity, conservation efforts, historical colonization impacts and tourism dynamics.
Expanded student‑support services
JCCC is extending its Exploring Academic and Personal Success and Navigating College courses to all incoming degree‑seeking students who declare an exploratory or undecided major, offering them at no cost. The curriculum focuses on goal‑setting, time management, financial literacy, self‑care and academic communication.
Students continue to benefit from free resources such as academic, personal and career counseling, the Student Basic Needs Center and tutoring through the Academic Resource Center (ARC). This fall, the ARC will host a series of drop‑in workshops covering math, reading and writing strategies, providing flexible, short‑term skill‑building opportunities.
Faculty development and teaching excellence
All JCCC faculty will participate in professional enrichment training through the Association of College and University Educators, focusing on developing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. The training aims to equip instructors across disciplines with research‑based strategies to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
Facilities Master Plan progress
The college’s 10‑year Facilities Master Plan, approved by the Board of Trustees in 2025, continues to guide strategic campus development. In the first phase, JCCC will break ground on a new building dedicated to healthcare‑related programs, addressing regional workforce demand for medical professionals.
Additional goals of the plan include expanding career and technical education spaces, exploring new facilities for public safety and science programs, improving campus wayfinding, enhancing athletic support areas and renovating aging infrastructure.
Looking ahead
Through new curricula, expanded support services and targeted campus investments, JCCC reaffirms its mission to inspire learning, transform lives and strengthen the Johnson County community. More information about the Facilities Master Plan is available on the college’s website.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
