Under Charles Carlsen's leadership, JCCC was first recognized as one of the nation's most respected two-year schools.
Carlsen served as JCCC's president from 1981 to 2006. During that time, the college's enrollment nearly tripled, seven new buildings were constructed and new programs were developed to meet the changing needs of the county. He and his wife, Linda, have provided dynamic leadership for numerous charitable causes, chambers of commerce, hospital boards and community service agencies.