Student Veterans’ Guide To Navigating JCCC Veteran Online Resources

Veterans transitioning from military service to campus life can find the move challenging.

Student veterans can find the information they need by visiting jccc.edu and searching for veteran resources, or head to the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center. The resource center provides veterans with networking opportunities and offers a student lounge for studying. Student ambassadors in the resource center can also help veterans connect with and navigate the various campus organizations.

Two organizations to consider are the JC Student Veterans of America and the Peer Advisors for Veteran Education.

JC Student Veterans of America promotes veteran and student involvement in public health-focused events. Student Veterans of America organizes on-campus and community activities to support veteran well-being. Connect with the JC Student Veterans of America on its Instagram  and Facebook pages.

Peer Advisors for Veteran Education connects new veterans and military-connected students with fellow peers on campus. This support program helps navigate college life and tackle the challenges encountered.

Questions? Stop by the Veteran and Military Student Resource Center, COM 305 or call 913-469-7618 during business hours, Monday – Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or email them.

– Mike Kemper

Future-Proofing Work: A Plumbing Technology Certificate At JCCC Is A Good Option

Last year, one of the pioneers in Artificial Intelligence, Geoffrey Hinton, said something surprising in an interview for a Diary of a CEO podcast when he was talking about the future of work: “A Good Bet Would Be to Be a Plumber.”

Fortunately, in 2020, plumbing was added to the list of trade courses that people could take at JCCC. Spanning 30 credit hours and a range of different classes throughout the program, students would learn how to “analyze residential plumbing needs, install, maintain, and repair plumbing fixtures and systems, install and test backflow prevention devices, design drain, waste, and vent (DWV) sizing requirements, determine water volume and distribution requirements, and be able to read plumbing blueprints, generate estimates, and learn local plumbing codes and OSHA regulations.”

A course graduate should be able to show that they are trained in the basics of plumbing.

The starting salary for an entry level plumber in the state of Kansas is about $52,000 a year. For a more experienced plumber with a master plumber’s license, a yearly salary can reach up to $80,000.

Here’s a list of projected state median salaries for plumbers in 2026.

– Ian Buhrle

Future-Proofing Work: The Nail Tech Program Is Training And Serving At The Same Time

JCCC has unveiled a Nail Technology program that is designed to train and prepare students for a successful career in the nail industry. Jobs for licensed nail technicians are expected to grow faster than the average of all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The program runs for 13 weeks, with the next start date in April. This training will support students with the technical skills necessary to successfully pass the licensure exams for the Kansas and Missouri boards of Cosmetology.

Additionally, clients over 60, JCCC students, and JCCC employees get a 20% discount on all nail services. A basic manicure is priced at only $8. Pricing information can be found at their salon services website.

The salon is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. All services in the school are performed by students under the supervision of a licensed cosmetology instructor.

– Jamilete Hernandez

Reflecting On The History Of Billington Library

As papers and tests start to intensify, many students will be heading to the library for support and silence. If your mind has ever meandered to wondering how JCCC’s library came to be or got its name, let those questions distract you no more.

Billington Library, named for Dr. Wilbur Billington, is centrally located on the JCCC campus, and acts as a nexus for both individual and group studying, as well as various services and programs. The building is one of JCCC’s original buildings, and started with a different name, The Educational Media Center.

The Educational Media Center opened in 1972, and over the years many different programs and services have shared space in the building. Occupants came and went to meet changing college needs as the campus grew. In its first few years of existence, the EMC hosted a photography darkroom, television studio, print shop, mailroom, veterans services, electronics lab, and drafting space, among many other services.

In 2000, The EMC was renamed Billington Library to reflect the current building’s focus. The name Billington Library was chosen to honor Dr. Wilbur T. Billington, “In appreciation of his original vision and long service to JCCC.” Dr Billington was an important force in the creation of JCCC.

“Dr. Billington worked tirelessly to help secure legislation authorizing community colleges in Kansas, pass the necessary bonding issues and found the Johnson County Community College, where he served as a trustee from 1967 to 1975 and as first Chairman of the Board of Trustees.” In 2016, Dr. Billington passed away at the age of 94.

-Emma Weis

A Guide To The Fashion Merchandising & Design Program At JCCC

If you’re passionate about fashion or want a career in design, marketing, or merchandising, Johnson County Community College’s Fashion Merchandising & Design program offers accessible ways to start your journey. The department provides career-focused degrees like Apparel Design and Technology, AAS and Fashion Merchandising & Marketing, AAS that help students build technical, creative, and business skills essential for the fashion industry ).

Students in the program learn everything from garment construction and patternmaking to market analysis and retail strategy. The Apparel Design & Technology AAS emphasizes creativity and digital tools like Adobe Illustrator to prepare you for real industry challenges. Meanwhile, the Fashion Merchandising & Marketing AAS explores trend forecasting, brand development, and retail analytics for those more interested in the business side of fashion.

A highlight of the program is JCCC’s annual fashion show, where students showcase original designs — a real portfolio builder. These links and opportunities can help future students decide if JCCC’s fashion program is right for them.

– Macla Percy