Two Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) professionals were honored recently for their outstanding contributions to career and technical education at the 2025 Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE) Conference and Awards Ceremony.
Holly Hansen, EICC college and career transition counselor, received the Counseling and Career Development Professional Award for her work in connecting education with employment through industry partnerships and student outreach.
Jessica Lienen, a nursing instructor for EICC, was named Postsecondary Professional of the Year. Her innovative teaching methods, including simulations and trauma-informed care training, have empowered health care students in both classroom and clinical settings.
“These award recipients and nominees represent the best of what Career and Technical Education stands for,” Dr. Tara Troester, IACTE Awards co-chair, said in an EICC news release. “Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to student success make CTE not just a program, but a life-changing pathway for Iowa students.”
The awards were presented during a ceremony Wednesday, June 18, in Altoona, Iowa. Honorees received handcrafted trophies designed by students and staff from Des Moines Central Campus.
