As he marks his first year as president of Johnson County Community College (JCCC), Dr. Tony Miksa reflects on connecting with students and employees, building relationships across the community, and what makes JCCC so special.
Q: Looking back, what are you most proud of from your first year as president?
A: “I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made across campus,” said Miksa. “Some days on campus are going to be great. Others are going to be challenging. But when we all work together, and we rely on those relationships we’ve built, that’s what gets us through each day and helps us move forward together.”
Q: How would you describe the JCCC community to someone who has never visited campus?
A: One word quickly comes to mind for Dr. Miksa’s description of JCCC: inclusive.
“I feel there’s a place for everybody on campus, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, and no matter where you’re going. We have a place to help you be successful here.”
Q: What campus tradition or event has been your favorite so far?
“I’ve attended everything from athletic events and STEM activities to student-hosted programs and long-standing campus traditions, but graduation season is by far my favorite—it perfectly captures the spirit of the College,” Miksa said. “Everybody comes together to support as we watch these students walk across the stage with their proud smiles, knowing they’re moving on to great things.”
Q: After a year in the metro, what stands out most about JCCC’s relationship with the communities we serve?
A: Every time I mention I work at JCCC, or people see me wearing a JCCC shirt or swag, they say the same thing—that they had a wonderful experience here. Whether it’s a former student, family member, or friend, people consistently tell stories about how the College impacted their lives. I really think that’s what is most important about our relationship with the community.
Q: Do you consider yourself a Kansas Citian yet?
A: Dr. Miksa says he and his wife, Deb, are enjoying becoming part of the Kansas City community.
“We really love Johnson County and the area where we live in downtown Overland Park, right by the farmers’ market,” said Miksa. “We love all the restaurant options—you might even see me getting a late-night pizza slice from a walk-up window nearby. We’ve been to Chiefs and Royals games, a soccer game, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum.”
And while Dr. Miksa has tasted plenty of Kansas City barbecue, he’s not quite ready to share his favorite.
Q: Looking ahead, what goals are you focused on as you enter your second year?
A: Dr. Miksa said much of his focus is centered on what he calls the “40-40-40” vision.
“I want to reach a 40% graduation rate, have 40,000 students on campus, and raise $40 million for strategic campus development and initiatives.”
Miksa is also focused on the early phases of JCCC’s new 2025-2035 Facilities Master Plan. In fall 2025, the JCCC Board of Trustees approved a new 10-year Facilities Master Plan for the main campus in Overland Park to ensure JCCC’s facilities continue to align with students’ needs.
Q: With so much growth and momentum happening in the region, where do you see opportunities for the college to make an impact?
A: “We’ve heard directly from our students and the community that healthcare professions are among the region’s highest-demand fields. In response, we’re excited to begin the first phase of our Facilities Master Plan with the construction of a new Healthcare Center of Excellence,” said Miksa.
“The facility will allow us to double enrollment in our nursing program, expand our dental hygiene and respiratory care programs, and introduce new healthcare offerings, including credit programs such as radiography and noncredit programs like surgical technology. We’re focused on growing those programs in the near future, and I also anticipate growth in career and technical education programs to help meet workforce needs across the region. “
Q: Any final thoughts on this first year?
Watch Dr. Miksa’s full interview on his first year at JCCC.
A: “What stands out above all else is the people. I’ve been inspired by the dedication to our students, the unwavering commitment to excellence, and the passion each person brings to this great institution. Thank you for everything you do. I’m honored to serve alongside you.”
As JCCC looks ahead to a new academic year, those same values—dedication, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student success—continue to shape Dr. Miksa’s vision for the College’s future. Learn more at jccc.edu.
