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JCCC President Sopcich Announces Future Plans

July 9, 2019

Overland Park, Kansas: On July 9, 2019, Johnson County Community College President Joe Sopcich notified Board Chair, Jerry Cook, and the six additional members of the Board of Trustees, of his intention to retire at the close of the fiscal year, effective July 1, 2020. The Board approved the renewal of President Sopcich’s contract at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting on June 20.

Dr. Sopcich’s 27-year career at JCCC embodies his commitment to helping students succeed in achieving their dreams. Dr. Sopcich joined the College in 1992 as Executive Director of the JCCC Foundation with oversight of the Nerman Museum, Performing Arts and Governmental Affairs. The Board of Trustees turned to Sopcich to lead a successful Capital Campaign that raised $20.2 million to help fund the Healthcare Simulation Center, the Regnier Center, and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

In 2009, he was appointed Executive Vice President of Administrative Services, during which he navigated the fiscal responsibilities of the College during the recession that swept the nation. In 2013 Dr. Sopcich succeeded Dr. Terry Calloway, who served as JCCC’s fourth President from 2007 to 2013.

Dr. Sopcich has the distinction of being the only JCCC President to have taught in the classroom while serving as President. During his seven years as President, he’s guided the College’s priorities to be student focused. This included the development and implementation of a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan which has led to considerable changes. To meet the shifting needs of traditional-aged students and adult learners, 16 traditional classrooms were converted into active learning classrooms and the Billington Library is being remodeled so that the five student learning resource centers are consolidated into one area. The new Hugh L. Libby Career & Technical Education Center reflects a solid emphasis in job training while the new Fine Arts & Design Studios helped establish a center for creation and collaboration by bringing our fine arts and graphic design programs together in one facility. These physical transformations highlight the breadth of activities and academic focus the College continues to celebrate in its 50th year as an educational leader.

Board Chair, Trustee Cook reflected, “Johnson County Community College has been blessed with Dr. Sopcich’s leadership in each of the three key positions he’s held over a 27-year period of time. Dr. Sopcich has established a remarkable foundation for the next president of the College. While we are disappointed with his retirement plans, we appreciate the impact he has made toward student success at JCCC.”

For more information about this announcement, contact Chris Gray at 913-469-7623.

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