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Dr. Carl Heilman was named the fifth president of Barton County Community College’s in July 2006. Within the first year and seizing the role as leader, Heilman effectively worked with the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, community constituents, and most importantly, students of the college, in responding to multiple institutional needs and challenges. In collaboration with all key constituent groups, the college defined its future and set about in establishing its role as a dynamic institution that is not limited by its access to scarce resources, shifting state demographics, or cyclical financial and business trends.

Heilman has experienced numerous achievements in varied roles and settings during his career. Prior to serving Barton, he was Campus President for Lincoln Trail College – Illinois Eastern Community College District; Vice President for Student Services and then Vice-President for Instruction and Student Services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona; and Chairperson/faculty, Iowa Lakes Community College in Iowa.

Heilman’s ability to lead institutions through long-range planning and development of strategic partnerships with fellow educational providers, businesses, and industries, has fostered student access, higher education affordability, and college growth. These factors led to an unprecedented three year tenure as Chairperson for the system council of Kansas Community College Presidents. During his tenure, and in affiliation with the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees, Kansas Board of Regents, and the Kansas Independent College Association, three noteworthy accomplishments were realized: an implemented public higher education course transfer articulation process gained momentum; a public higher education reverse transfer model was introduced; and an agreement for reverse transfer was developed for both community colleges and the private college system. Under his steady guide, Barton has extended online learning options, generated diverse workforce training opportunities, and expanded services to Kansas military communities.

Dr. Carl Heilman testifies of Kansas higher education

Dr. Carl Heilman testifies on behalf of Kansas higher education for the 1st Infantry Division to remain stationed in Kansas

Concerning Barton’s impact in supporting the educational needs of the Army, Heilman was invited by the Kansas Governor Military Council to testify on behalf of Kansas higher education for the 1st Infantry Division to remain stationed in Kansas. This was in response to the 2015 Base Realignment and Closure Commission review of US armed forces stationed nation-wide.

Financial accountability has long been an important focus of Barton under Heilman’s leadership. Not only has Barton weathered decreased State funding; that is currently at the 2010 funding level, but has minimized the financial burden placed on students while not increasing the mill levy to Barton County taxpayers for 12 consecutive years. The financial foundation of the College has remained strong due to careful strategic planning, adopted financial efficiencies, and technological enhancements

Educational background:

Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration from Iowa State University

Masters of Arts in Public Administration from Minnesota State University

Master of Arts in Counseling from University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences University of Northern Iowa