KICA develops and enhances the competitive standing of its 19 member independent, nonprofit, regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. Our efforts include professional development and collaboration, governmental advocacy, and public engagement collectively aimed at supporting the ability of students to choose and afford an independent college education that fits their goals. KICA, founded in 1976, is a 501 (c) (4) not-for-profit Kansas corporation governed by a board of directors composed of the presidents of each of the member institutions and is managed by a staff of three based in Topeka.
Before joining KICA, Matt was the Executive Director of Kansas Campus Compact, working to enhance civic and community engagement activities
on college campuses throughout Kansas. He previously served as the senior associate for Freedman Consulting in Washington, DC, where he
advised non-profit consortiums and large foundations on effective means to achieve policy change. Matt was selected as a 2001 Harry S.
Truman Scholar while attending the University of Tulsa where he received degrees in economics and political science. He also received a
Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Along the path, he also worked with the city of San Diego, California where he
felt the surreal experience of watching a city go through three mayors in four months, the last of which named August 25, 2005 as “Matt
Lindsey Day” for his work on behalf of downtown public-private partnerships.
Mark Millikan has been with the organization since 1996, starting as a Communications
Manager, he now serves as Director of Office Administration.
Jesyca Hope originated the role of Director of Member Programs in December of 2015. She has her M.A. in Communication Studies from Kansas State University and brings over 20 years of outreach and organizing experience to the team.
Kristi J. Wiess is the _____ and brings 2 years of higher education experience as an Assistant Professor with ACCK, having served students who seek a degree endorsement in high incidence special education. Her B.S. (elementary ed.) & M.S. (special education/Intellectual disabilities) degrees from KSU enabled her to serve 26 years in various special education settings to meet the needs of students from mild to severe in settings from the most restrictive(self-contained) to team teaching in the inclusive setting at K-12 grade levels. The KICA special education endorsement program places a strong emphasis on real-world experiences working with children in the field while emphasizing the best practices for teaching students who have high-incidence disabilities. Kristi will bring a team approach to the program to make a difference in the world of special education.
