July 1, 2025
President Tony Miksa, EdD., is a dynamic, energetic, and long-serving leader with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. JCCC is pleased to have him lead the College into its 56th year.
“I was honored to be selected as the next leader of Johnson County Community College,” said Miksa. “I’m excited to dive into the work and build relationships with our students, faculty, staff, and the community to advance the College’s mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities through education.”
Dr. Miksa comes to JCCC from Walters State Community College in Tennessee, where he previously served as President over their five campuses and other service area locations. Walters State is a comprehensive, two-year postsecondary institution that serves 10 counties in East Tennessee and offers programs that lead to associate degrees and technical certificates. As president, Miksa acted as the Walters State Community College’s chief executive officer, established the institution’s strategic plans, improved institutional effectiveness, and provided support and leadership to the College’s faculty and staff.
Laura Smith-Everett, Vice Chair, JCCC Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee, said, “It was clear to the members of the Presidential Search Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the community that Dr. Miksa is the right person to lead JCCC into the future.”
Miksa’s demonstrated track record of academic and operational excellence made him stand out to the search committee. He was selected for his dedication to the community college model and to innovation; his commitment to fostering a welcoming campus for students of all backgrounds; and his humble leadership style.
“The JCCC Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Dr. Tony Miksa to campus,” said Melody Rayl, Chair of the JCCC Board of Trustees and Presidential Search Committee. “I am confident his experience in higher education has well prepared him to lead JCCC’s culture of excellence for years to come.”
First-Year Priorities
During his first months as JCCC President, Dr. Miksa plans to listen and learn from faculty, staff, students, and key stakeholders to fully grasp the many ways the College serves the community. Dr. Miksa is passionate about showing up for students and plans to attend as many events as possible during his first year to immerse himself in the community.
One of President Miksa’s top priorities will be to collaborate with campus leaders to develop future goals and priorities for the College.
JCCC’s current Strategic Plan extends through June 30, 2025. In December 2024, the Board of Trustees adopted a new Strategic Bridge Plan to give the new President (who was then undetermined) time to settle into their role and learn about the College.
The Bridge Plan consolidates the four goals from the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan into three: student success, employee engagement, and community connections, with the College’s inclusion and belonging priorities reflected in each. Dr. Miksa will lead the direction of JCCC’s next Strategic Plan in 2027. More information can be found at jccc.edu/strategic-plan.
Additionally, one of Dr. Miksa’s first projects will be working with campus leaders on the implementation of the College’s 2025-2035 Facilities Master Plan. The Board of Trustees approved the 2025 Facilities Master Plan on June 12, with the goals of:
- Establishing spaces on JCCC's main campus for Science, Healthcare, and Public Safety programs to help meet workforce demand
- Expanding Career & Technical Education Facilities to help meet workforce demand
- Organizing the Student Center pathways
- Strengthening Wayfinding for pedestrians and drivers
- Improving athletics support spaces
- Addressing aging campus infrastructure
More information about the 2025 Facilities Master Plan will be posted to JCCC’s website later this summer.
Additional Background
President Miksa holds a Doctor of Education, Community College Leadership from National Louis University, a Master of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa, a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Mount Mercy College, and an Associate of Arts in Mathematics from Kishwaukee College. He received multiple awards, including the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) President’s Paragon Award for new presidents and the Mount Mercy College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Prior to his tenure at Walters State, Dr. Miksa served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He has also held leadership positions, including Dean of Math, Science and Health Professions and Dean of Mathematics, Science, Education and Health at both Elgin Community College and Kishwaukee College, both in Illinois. Earlier in Dr. Miksa’s career, he served as a tenured Mathematics Instructor at Kishwaukee College.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Miksa has served as chair of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and the Morristown Chamber of Commerce Board. He has also served on the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and the National Junior Council Athletic Association Board.
President Miksa will live in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife of 28 years, Deb. They have two adult children and enjoy spending time together, traveling, and doing outdoor adventure activities.
Learn More
Dr. Miksa was unanimously selected by the JCCC board of trustees to become JCCC’s next president in March 2025, after a nationwide search. Find more information about Dr. Miksa’s first year activities at jccc.edu/president.
CONTACT:
Emma Swinney
Public and Media Relations Coordinator
eswinne1@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4949
Chris Gray
VP, Strategic Communications & Marketing
chrisgray@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 7623
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