Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advocacy and Support for Kansas Independent Colleges
Founded in 1952, the Kansas Independent College (KICA) has dedicated over seven decades to advancing the competitive standing of Kansas' independent, nonprofit, regionally accredited colleges and universities. Our organization champions student choice by fostering collaboration among 21 member institutions through professional development initiatives, legislative advocacy, and public engagement programs. With a proven track record in higher education support, we coordinate consortium approaches to teacher preparation, implement joint cybersecurity initiatives, and manage collaborative insurance programs. Our leadership team brings extensive experience in education policy, having worked with state governments, accreditation bodies, and national education organizations. Through programs like the Universal Transfer Program and Green and Gold Scholarships, we demonstrate our commitment to improving college affordability and accessibility.Our strategic partnerships with business affiliates create valuable connections between educational institutions and service providers. With offices in Topeka and McPherson, we maintain a statewide presence while addressing national education trends. Our expertise in navigating regulatory frameworks, including HIPAA compliance and cybersecurity standards, positions us as trusted advisors to Kansas' independent higher education sector. Through annual summits and professional development opportunities, we facilitate knowledge sharing that strengthens institutional effectiveness. Our financial stewardship ensures sustainable support for member institutions facing evolving educational challenges.
Services
Academic Programs
Professional Development
Legislative Advocacy
Scholarship Programs
Collaborative Contracts
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We represent 21 regionally accredited Kansas colleges and universities
- Our team has decades of higher education policy experience
- We offer consortium solutions for cost-effective institutional support
- We administer scholarship programs benefiting Kansas students
- Our joint cybersecurity initiative meets industry compliance standards
Services
Academic Programs
Our academic programs coordinate coursework sharing and special education endorsements across member institutions. We develop curriculum standards for secondary teaching methods and dyslexia coursework. Our consortium approach enables resource sharing while maintaining institutional autonomy. These programs help Kansas students access quality education through collaborative frameworks.
Professional Development
We provide leadership development through programs like the Aspiring Campus Leadership Academy. Our workshops connect educators with best practices in institutional management. Professional development opportunities include conferences on educational technology and administrative strategies. These initiatives enhance faculty capabilities across our member institutions.
Legislative Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts represent member colleges before state and federal lawmakers. We track education policy developments affecting independent institutions. The program includes annual legislative award recognition and policy analysis. Our advocacy ensures Kansas independent colleges have a unified voice in policy discussions.
Scholarship Programs
We administer scholarship funds including Green and Gold Scholarships and Maud Wyatt Recognition Scholarships. Our financial aid programs support military families and recognize academic excellence. These initiatives improve college accessibility for Kansas students. We partner with donors to expand scholarship opportunities annually.
Collaborative Contracts
Our business affiliate program connects member institutions with vetted service providers. We facilitate vendor relationships through structured procurement processes. The program includes technology contracts and insurance pooling arrangements. These collaborations deliver cost savings while maintaining service quality standards.
People
Matt Lindsey
President
President since 2012 with experience in government relations and nonprofit leadership. Holds degrees from University of Tulsa and Harvard Kennedy School. Former Truman Scholar and policy advisor in Washington, DC.
Jesyca Hope
Vice President for Member Programs and Outreach
Communications expert with 20 years outreach experience. Former broadcaster and public speaking instructor. Holds BA from James Madison University. Recognized as YWCA Broadcaster of the Year in 2006.
Jerry Huff
Collaborative Chief Information Security Officer
Legal and cybersecurity professional with CISSP certification. Former attorney and HIPAA privacy officer. Holds law degree from Washburn Law School. Teaches computer law and cybersecurity compliance.
Dr. Bev Schottler
Professor of Special Education
Special education expert with 25+ years teaching experience. Department head with doctorate from Kansas State University. Focuses on high-incidence disabilities education and field-based learning approaches.
Lynette Cross
Assistant Professor of Special Education
14-year higher education professional with experience in special education and school counseling. Holds degrees from Tabor College and Wichita State University. Ed.D. candidate at Southwestern College.
Questions
What is the Kansas Independent College Association's primary mission?
We strengthen Kansas' independent colleges through advocacy, collaboration, and student-focused programs that enhance educational quality and institutional sustainability.
How many member institutions does KICA represent?
We represent 21 independent, nonprofit, regionally accredited colleges and universities across Kansas.
What services does KICA provide to member schools?
We offer legislative advocacy, professional development, consortium purchasing, cybersecurity services, and scholarship programs for member institutions.
How can businesses partner with KICA?
Businesses can join our Affiliate Program to connect with member colleges through structured procurement processes and vendor partnerships.
What student support programs does KICA administer?
We manage scholarship programs including Green and Gold Scholarships and Maud Wyatt Recognition Scholarships for Kansas students.
When was KICA established?
Our organization was founded in 1952 as the Kansas Foundation for Private Colleges and renamed KICA in 2024.