Information Technology-Networking and Cybersecurity

Student Success

A former student contacted Associate Professor Andrew Lutz to notify him that that they recently completed the CompTIA A+ certification. This is a valuable entry level certification that helps students increase their marketability.

The Information Technology- Networking department completed their second cybersecurity competition which is done in the IT 239- Ethical Hacking course each semester. Two students achieved perfect scores. The competition aims to provide students practical experience in penetration testing.

Medical Information & Revenue Management (MIRM)

Special Events

MIRM 148: Medical Coding Internship students participated in a LinkedIn workshop with Ashley Kretzschmer from the Career Development Center on Monday, October 04, 2021. Students learned the importance of a strong LinkedIn profile, including how they are used by recruiters during the hiring process. Students were encouraged to take advantage of free resources, including the photo booth in the JCCC Co-Lab. Follow the JCCC Medical Information & Revenue Management LinkedIn page to connect with these students and view their profiles!

The Medical Information & Revenue Management (MIRM) department hosted its Fall Advisory Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, in conjunction with the Healthcare Information Systems (HCIS) department. Faculty shared current program metrics and proposed curriculum changes. Board discussion focused on employer partnerships, including student internships and the JCCC Health IT Career Mentorship Program. Industry updates were provided by attending Board members, including facility growth and expansion, federal grant funding, and reimbursement guidelines. The next meeting will be scheduled for Spring 2022.

Significant Student Accomplishments

Jacqueline Walsh, MIRM graduate (Fall 2020), successfully passed the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentialing examination. This is a nationally recognized certification, awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Information Technology-Networking and Cybersecurity

Student Success

A student enrolled in the Information Technology program recently completed the Cisco Certified Networking Associate Certification (CCNA). The CCNA covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability. It prepares students for entry level roles in networking. We are consistently encouraging students to pursue certification as it increases their marketability.

Health Information Systems – HCIS

HCIS graduate Amanda Kristek was selected to present a poster at this year’s HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas.  Amanda’s passion for using health IT to address and resolve SDOH issues that plague so many of the elderly in rural communities propelled her to create her poster presentation.

HCIS graduate Somya Sriram was awarded the national CAHIMS Grant for Minority Professionals and Students course. Created by the HIMSS Global Health Equity Network and the HIMSS Foundation, this new grant provides underrepresented health information and technology professionals and students with preparation materials and financial resources to attain CAHIMS certification.

Medical Information & Revenue Management (MIRM)

Special Events

MIRM 148: Medical Coding Internship students participated in a StrengthsFinder workshop with Ashley Kretzschmer from the Career Development Center on Monday, September 20, 2021. Students learned about their “Top 5 Strengths” and how to utilize this information to their advantage, as they prepare to enter the workforce. Additionally, the class learned that, as a whole, it leads with the Relationship Building theme – you will want this group on your next team!

Significant Student Accomplishments

Sarah McKinley, MIRM graduate (Fall 2019), successfully passed the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentialing examination. This is a nationally recognized certification, awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Information Technology-Networking and Cybersecurity

National Conference Presentation

Professor Andrew Lutz has been asked to present for the National Convergence Technology Center on November 17^th on Developing and Hosting Your Own Cybersecurity Competition.

Cybersecurity competitions are an exciting, engaging way for students to practice critical cyber skills. This session shows viewers how to develop and host their own cybersecurity competition with a focus on ethical hacking.  Topics covered will include: planning a cybersecurity competition, resources and strategies available to learn cybersecurity and ethical hacking and how to create a lab environment for a cybersecurity competition.

National Cyber League – Student Competitors

The Information Technology-Networking department has four students competing in the National Cyber League competition for the Fall 2021 semester. The competition provides an online platform where students can practice cybersecurity challenges.

IT Networking
The Information Technology- Networking department hosted its first cybersecurity competition in the IT 239-Ethical Hacking course this semester. The competition has concluded, and we have our two winners. One will receive a CompTIA PenTest+ voucher so they may attempt the certification exam and the other will receive a 128GB USB 3.0 flash drive. We will host a competition again in the fall 2021 semester.

Computer Information Systems – CIS
CSIS student Maria Dominguez received her AS Emphasis in Information Systems Technology degree in December 2020. During her time as a JCCC student, Maria served as president for the Computer Club, and volunteered in multiple activities including the NE KS Science Olympiad, the SkillBuilders “Girls Just Want to Have Fun Coding Workshop”, and other outreach activities for CSIS. Obtaining this degree allowed Maria to move from IT apprentice to System Engineer at Cerner in January 2021. We are proud of and congratulate Maria on her accomplishments!

The KC STEM Alliance in February released findings from its focus group research into the best and next practices for closing the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Associate Professor Perla Weaver contributed as a panelist in the middle school focus group. With a focus on the KC Metro STEM Ecosystem: “This report represents the first step in collective action toward closing the many gaps in STEM education—gender, race and differing abilities. It builds on the wisdom, expertise and experience of those passionate about building and supporting a talent pipeline of women in STEM.” –

The CSIS department is expanding the Career Pathways articulations with DeSoto School District to increase the opportunities for High School students to pursue careers in computing. This new articulation will allow students to earn credits for CS 134 – Programming Fundamentals.

Computer Support Specialist – CSS/CPCA
Lisa Friedrichsen and Carol Smith engaged in the Cengage Computing 2021 national webinar conference over JCCC Spring Break on March 10, 11, and 12th. They attended breakout sessions on innovative teaching techniques regarding leading edge technologies, Microsoft 365 software, and computer science certifications. They also attended keynote sessions on the ever-changing digital world, digital culture, and digital diversity by computer science professor and industry thought-leader Corrine Hoisington.

Health Information Systems – HCIS
The HCIS department in partnership with JCCC’s CoLab hosted a Virtual LinkedIn Workshop for HCIS and MIRM students Thursday, March 4th, 2021. Instructor Bethany Spilde, a social media visionary with 10+ years of experience working in the social media marketing field, led the workshop for 30+ students. LinkedIn has become a vital part of every HCIS professional’s success in pivoting careers to securing employment in the HCIS field and connecting with people and to opportunities. Students learned what it takes to take LinkedIn profiles to “All-Star” status while discovering new ways to search for jobs and use other built-in features.

JCCC’s HCIS Department will be participating in the KU Edwards and JCCC Exploring Heath Careers – Career Snapshot event March 31st, 2021. The event will host a panel of professionals in the healthcare field for students to be able to explore and ask questions about the healthcare field. This event will be focused on career explorations.

IT Networking
Andrew Lutz, Chair of the Information Technology- Networking department, has been invited to join the National Career and Technical Education Advisory Council. The Council will lead a national dialog focused on accelerating career pathways in technology.

The Information Technology- Networking department is piloting a cybersecurity competition in its IT 239 Ethical Hacking course. Students will have the opportunity to test their skills with live lab challenges that were designed by the IT faculty.

MIRM – Medical Information and Revenue Management
MIRM faculty participated in the JCCC Virtual Networking Fair on Monday, March 22. Faculty was able to share some of the personal stories re: their educational journey and career progression. Faculty was also able to provide feedback on each student’s “elevator speech,” answer specific questions, and provide an additional connection for students on-campus. Kudos to Valerie Mann and the Career Development Center for a wonderful event!

MIRM faculty and students participated in a HCIS/MIRM LinkedIn Workshop with Bethany Spilde on March 4. Participants received a step-by-step walk-through of LinkedIn, including key information to include on their profiles and steps to build an “All Star” profile! Thank you to Bethany Spilde and Nan Abbott for your hard work and a great session!

Amanda Kraus participated in the monthly Greater Kansas City HIMSS (Health Information Management Systems Society) March Board meeting on Friday, March 12. Amanda is currently serving as the Board Secretary. https://kchimssc.starchapter.com/board.php

WEB – Web Development and Digital Media
Adjunct Professor Andy Young and Web Chair/Professor Jim Hopper have been awarded the 2021 NISOD Excellence Award. The NISOD Excellence Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated teaching and leadership excellence in institutions of higher education.

Computer Information Systems – CIS

Associate Professor Perla Weaver participated as an NSF reviewer in November 2019. The NSF merit review process is designed to provide peer advice to program officers on the merits of the proposals and constructive comments for the proposers. Participation in the peer review process allows faculty to learn firsthand about the NSF merit review process, gain insight on strengths as well common problems of proposals, increase awareness of relevant field initiatives and collaborations, and network with NSF program officers and faculty from other institutions. As the NSF continues to increase its call for Community College participation, Professor Weaver values the opportunity to provide a Community College perspective to review panels and learn more about the NSF grant process.

Health Information Systems – HCIS

Soft skills are important to all industries and employers, providing a foundation for a comprehensive and cohesive workforce. More than ever in today’s society, we find soft skills playing a vital role in those industries with particular expectations and reliance on a balance of technical skills and interpersonal skills. The Health Information Management System’s Society (HIMSS) is the national health IT industry organization. Below is a HIMSS article written by JCCC’s very own HCIS Adjunct Faculty member Nan Abbot, describing her professional experience with soft skills in the Health IT field: https://www.himss.org/resources/why-soft-skills-matter-health-it-training

IT Networking

The Information Technology department has two new adjunct faculty members for the Spring 2021 semester that bring extensive industry experience to the classroom. In addition, we hope to hire two new full-time faculty members to begin in the Fall 2021 semester which are replacements for faculty that recently retired. We continue to see strong demand for our program.

Health Information Systems –HCIS

The HCIS department presented 3 new courses, 3 course deactivations, modifications to the current degree, one new certificate, deactivation of the current 2 certificates and updates to 2 courses to JCCC’s Educational Affairs committee.  All program changes passed unanimously and will be effective Fall 2021.  The program changes were driven by the recommendations of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, the recommendations of the HCIS advisory board and the changing healthcare landscape. These changes will provide students with the most current industry skills necessary to support quality improvements in healthcare systems.

IT Networking

The Information Technology-Networking department is hosting Security PS for a webinar on October 14^th from 3:15-4:15pm. They are a local security consulting firm interested in hiring students for internships and apprenticeships at their company.

The JCCC Cybersecurity club will be participating in a national cybersecurity competition, National Cyber League, where they can test their skills by completing challenges that align with industry

Two CPCA students have been named Kansas Champion’s and selected to compete in Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Florida, June 21-23, 2021.

We are proud to announce a 52.78% increase in students passing the industry certification Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams from Fall 2018 – Spring 2019 to Fall 2019 -Spring 2020.

IT-Networking
The Information Technology- Networking department is upgrading their Cisco equipment for the Fall 2020 semester. Classrooms and the NetLab online environment will be outfitted with new routers and switches to support the updated Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

Web Development and Digital Media
The Web Development and Digital Media program worked with Graphic Design and Astronomy on the Kansas Solar System App. This is an interdisciplinary hybrid course, team taught, where students will commence researching, designing, creating, and Computer Support Specialist – CSS/CPCA
testing a web application that creates a scale model of our solar system over Kansas’s geography. For JCCC students, this is an experiential learning opportunity with professional

IT-Networking
The Information Technology- Networking department was featured in the Community College Daily for their success in the MentorLinks grant. The MentorLinks grant provided resources which enabled the department to expand its cybersecurity offerings which assisted in attaining the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education designation from the NSA/DHS. http://www.ccdaily.com/2020/01/learning-from-the-experts/

CSIS – Computer Information Systems
The Computer Science and Information Systems department hosted the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Western Missouri and Kansas 2020 Aspirations in Computing (AiC) Award Ceremony and Reception on Friday, February 21st. The Aspirations in Computing program is designed to recognize and celebrate High School and College women’s technical aspirations and abilities, and the educators who support them. The CSIS Department is a member of the AiC Community as well as the NCWIT Academic Alliance. Professor Perla Weaver helped coordinate the event and welcomed participants, family, industry and academic partners for this wonderful celebration. The ceremony, activities and reception were held in the Hudson Auditorium and Regnier Center.

Professor Jacob Kier nominated CIS student Thomas Soteros last fall for the League of Innovation’s 2019 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award. Thomas was selected as “2019 Student Developer Champion”. Professor Kier and Thomas plan to attend the 2020 Innovations Conference in Seattle March 1-4th, where Thomas will receive a plaque and $2500 to use toward his continued education. The CSIS department thanks Prof. Kier for taking the time to recognize the accomplishments of our students and congratulates Thomas Soteros on this well-deserved recognition!

On February 20th, Professor Perla Weaver, chair of the CSIS department, participated in the PLTW Computer Science Teacher Mentor Day. Professor Weaver was invited to facilitate the Computer Science AP breakout session. Professor Weaver provided updates on the new and upcoming changes to the AP Computer Science courses, best teaching practices, opportunities for professional development, and facilitated sharing among High School teachers.

Professor Mindi Leftwich has been serving as a sponsor for the Active Minds club, working to increase mental health awareness for the JCCC community. The Active Minds club is currently working on multiple events on campus.

The CSIS department has established a new collaboration with the Academic Achievement Center to provide increased tutoring support for students in CS and CIS courses. The AAC is already providing one-on-one tutoring help for courses in Computer Science and Information Systems and will add drop-in tutoring help in RC 335 soon.

Update

Computing Sciences and Information Technology Department November 2019 Update
The CSIT Reverse Career Fair was held Friday, November 15th in the CoLab with approximately 19 employers and 21 student participants. Both employers and students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about JCCC students/programs and gain experience with interviewing. Each semester the Reverse Career Fair produces success stories of students receiving internships with potential job offers. We are very thankful for Linda Dubar, Jim Hopper and many others giving time and leadership for this relevant student and community event!

CIS – Computer Information Systems
Chair Perla Weaver served as a National Science Foundation grant reviewer in Washington, DC for those colleges submitting ATE – Advanced Technology Education grants.

IT – Networking
The IT-Networking department will be featured in the Community College Daily for an article on our successful completion of the MentorLinks grant. Through the grant, we developed a new Cybersecurity program and successfully met requirements for CAE designation in Cybersecurity.

IT chair Andrew Lutz was joined by CSIT assistant dean Dr. Deb Elder as he was recognized at the annual National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) conference in Phoenix on November 20th. NICE is led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with a partnership between government, academia, and the private sector focused on cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development. The mission of NICE is to energize and promote a robust network and an ecosystem of cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development. NICE fulfills this mission by coordinating with government, academic, and industry partners to build on existing successful programs, facilitate change and innovation, and bring leadership and vision to increase the number of skilled cybersecurity professionals helping to keep our nation secure.

WEB – Web Development and Digital Media
Congratulations to Web chair Jim Hopper, a Distinguished Service Award Recipient. He will be honored at the BNSF Railway Award Ceremony on May 1st, 2020 and will also receive a $2,500 monetary award.

Jim Hopper is also a 2019 recipient of the John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for JCCC. He will receive his award at the League of Innovations Conference in Seattle on March 4th, 2020.

We are pleased to announce that Angela Reed, 2019 graduate Web Development and Digital Media, begins a full-time position as Search Engine Optimize Specialist January 2020 with Thruline Marketing.

Students Kevin Atherton, Alexander Tate, Aubrey Churchill, Baylee Delauier, Nathan Rowe are participating in a cross functional honors class for the Project: Kansas Solar System. The purpose of this project is to utilize Kansas’s geography to educate students and the public about the scope and scale of our solar system. For JCCC students, building the Kansas Solar System will be an experiential learning opportunity with professional application. This project will create a to-scale version of the solar system that maps over the state of Kansas. In its digital form (progressive web application), anyone could determine their position within the “Kansas Solar System” relative to any location in the state. JCCC will serve as the “Sun.” Via the digital form, users will be able to learn about the scale of the solar system from any location in the state, as well as the relative size of the solar system’s objects based upon that location. There will also be specified locations for the planets, Pluto, and other relevant objects. For example, Neptune, with a diameter of 3.4 meters, would be located at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson (if Hayes was Pluto). In spring 2020, students will join professors from a variety of disciplines to create a design document and prototype (rudimentary) for a progressive web app (PWA) of the Kansas Solar System.

The Student Agency is in the process of proposing 4 projects from clients throughout the KC metropolitan area. This inter-department effort provides real-time experience for students across campus.

Professor Patrick Lafferty recently obtained certification in Creative Commons and open licensing. He serves on the OER Task Force representing CSIT Division. His professional commitment is appreciated.

We would like to recognize Web Professor and author Lisa Friedrichsen for her participation in the JCCC Writes event. Lisa has authored textbooks for several years and is sought out for national presentations as an expert in her field.

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