Innovations Conference 2026

Andrew Dunn and Douglas Pauley of Central Community College in Nebraska.

The League for Innovation in the Community College hosted the 29th annual Innovations Conference, held from March 15 to March 18, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This annual event has established itself as the premier gathering for educators, administrators, and innovators who are deeply committed to advancing the mission of community colleges worldwide. The Innovations Conference serves as a vital international platform for professionals to come together to exchange transformative ideas, showcase groundbreaking programs, and foster collaborative efforts across sectors such as teaching, leadership, and institutional development.

Throughout the conference, attendees engaged in sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations designed to inspire and challenge conventional thinking about community college education. The agenda featured a diverse array of topics, from innovative teaching methodologies to the integration of technology in the classroom, all aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students. Participants had the opportunity to network with peers, share best practices, and explore new strategies to implement in their own institutions.

The National Science Foundation funded National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing leadership partner, Central Community College, were in attendance. Andrew Dunn, Industrial Technology Coordinator and Trainer, and Douglas Pauley discussed the Summer Mechatronics Professional Development program, which is designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach advanced mechatronics concepts effectively. Their presentation emphasized the importance of hands-on learning experiences and the integration of real-world applications in the curriculum.

Andrew Dunn presents the various trainers utilized in the Summer Mechatronics Professional Development Program.

Karl Anderson, Director, Plastic Injection Molding Program and Lab from Central Community College, received the 2025-2026 League Excellence Award. This award was given to him for his work in incorporating virtual reality (VR) technologies into plastics injection-molding curricula. Anderson's innovative approach not only enhances the learning experience for students but also prepares them for the future demands of the manufacturing industry. His presentation highlighted the transformative potential of VR in education, illustrating how immersive technologies can create realistic simulations that foster deeper understanding and retention of complex concepts.

The Innovations Conference not only served as a platform for sharing successes and challenges but also for future collaborations and initiatives to improve the quality of education in community colleges. As participants departed from Indianapolis, they carried with them a sense of purpose and knowledge that would drive meaningful change within their institutions and communities. The event underscored the critical role that community colleges play in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and reaffirmed educators' collective commitment to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Douglas Pauley and Karl Anderson stand next to a banner listing all the 2025-2026 awardees.