New pathway program creates opportunities for Independence Community College business graduates

Selecting just any college or university isn’t enough these days, says Dr. Vincent Bowhay, ’17. “Now more than ever, what you learn and who you learn it from can make the difference between success and failure.”

That’s why Bowhay, a graduate of Baker’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program and president of Independence Community College, thinks Baker’s new pathway program with ICC is so important. The program provides a strategic transition between ICC’s associate degree in business administration and Baker’s bachelor’s degree in business administration. After earning an associate degree at ICC, students can finish their bachelor’s degree through Baker in as little as two years.

“It is important for students to know they have a path forward in their educational journey after graduating from ICC,” Bowhay said. “Students are more entrepreneurial than ever and want the hands-on experience ICC and Baker can offer them. A partnership between our two great institutions is a natural fit because both are dedicated to helping students succeed in reaching their dreams.”

Expanding Educational Opportunities in Rural Kansas

Taylor Crawshaw, vice president for academic affairs at ICC, said the pathway program provides ICC students a clear path to degree attainment.

“It will ease the transfer process, providing greater access to higher education in rural Kansas,” she said.

Because Baker’s BBA program is online, students can remain in their communities and fit coursework around their jobs.

Dr. Matthew Bice, dean of Baker’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies, said the pathway program is student centered and faculty generated through collaborative discussions between ICC and Baker.

“There is significant value to both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree,” he said. “Within the bachelor’s degree, students will be able to major in emerging areas including leadership, management, marketing, and human resources. Collaborating with ICC provides students a multifaceted approach from different faculty members that will benefit them in the workplace.”

Bowhay thinks the pathway program will provide opportunities for students regardless of their background.

“We are educating future business leaders to be the next generation of thinkers, entrepreneurs, educators and innovators,” he said. “Leaders, like businesses, aren’t just born. They are developed and nurtured in an educational environment that encourages innovative thinking about real-world problems facing business leaders. This program will help any person looking to strengthen their abilities to lead others, develop a business, and change organizations for the better.

Baker Creates Opportunities

And Bowhay can attest to the value of having a degree from Baker and the opportunities it creates.

“I truly believe Baker’s program gave me the hands-on experience that catapulted me from an assistant director when I started the program to president of a college in just under seven years,” he said. “The lifelong connections, outstanding faculty and unique academic experiences make this the ideal experience for anyone wanting to change institutions for the better and grow as a leader. Baker, and ICC, make people better.”