Growing up in a town of less than 1,000, Lilly Clark was used to close-knit communities and open fields. When it came time for college, she and her family hoped for a stepping stone between small-town life and the wider world. They found it at the Muscatine campus of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC).
With its strong Agriculture programs, welcoming campus, and a clear path to transfer to Iowa State, EICC was the perfect bridge, helping Lilly adjust to college life on her own terms before taking her next big step, said her mother, Lisa Clark.
Lisa and her husband, Kevin, raised their daughter on their family farm in Wayland, Iowa. She was an active teen, involved in dance and Future Farmers of America. As she started planning for college, Lilly knew she wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and teach agriculture but wasn’t sure she wanted to jump into a large university campus right away.
“We thought starting at a community college was the best bet for her,” Lisa said, adding the transition from a small rural community of 945 residents to a campus of more than 30,000 could be overwhelming. Her coworker recommended they look into the Agriculture and 2+2 transfer programs EICC offers in Muscatine, which is about an hour from their home. They did some research and scheduled a tour.
Her daughter quickly adjusted to college life and thrived. Lilly joined the livestock judging club. She took a trip to Hawaii to study agriculture practices abroad. She shadowed a state veterinarian, worked in a campus office, and joined student organizations including the Gray Matters Collective. Lilly made friends while living in student housing and taking part in activities. Faculty and staff became trusted mentors. “I really praise the one-on-one attention students get at EICC. It is key. If and when you need help you can get it,” Lisa said.
Lilly’s education was made even more affordable with scholarships from the Muscatine Community College Foundation. As a student in the agriculture program, she also qualified for a housing scholarship. And her decision to serve as a Resident Assistant also lowered her college costs. “She applied for everything she could get and obtained everything she applied for,” Lisa said. “Having all of those opportunities at hand was very comforting.”
Lilly graduated from EICC in May 2024 and transferred to Iowa State University to complete her bachelor’s degree. Lisa is proud of everything her daughter accomplished and thankful for the education, support, and opportunities she received.
“I believe students are more likely to get that at a community college. Lilly talks about her instructors like they are best friends. Everyone at EICC was helpful and she had everything she needed. It was a great bridge, and she is definitely ready for her next step,” Lisa said.
“To me, community college is the way to go for most kids. If you don’t think a four-year program is good for you, it is OK. Look for a stepping stone. Check out those smaller colleges you don’t normally hear about. I recommend EICC,” she said.