Students Honored for Academic Excellence on All Iowa Academic Team
Monday, March 9, 2026
Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is proud to announce that students Christi Schrodt and Ethan Falck have been named to the 2026 All Iowa Academic Team. The students, nominated by their respective campuses for outstanding academic achievements and leadership, were recognized on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Des Moines as part of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society.
For Schrodt, the path to this honor was a journey of personal growth. “It is really amazing, actually,” she said. “I wasn’t going to apply at first, but through the encouragement of the PTK advisors and my family, I did.”
Schrodt, of Peosta, is a dedicated non-traditional student pursuing a Liberal Arts Associate of Arts (AA) degree. A published author of four books, she balances her academic pursuits with her roles as a mother, grandmother and community volunteer. Following graduation, she intends to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in creative writing.
The recognition also highlights the achievements of students in technical programs, such as Falck, a high school senior from the Calmar area. Falck will complete the Carpentry program at the College this summer and plans to transition into the Industrial Electrician program at NICC in fall 2026.
“I feel very proud to be selected for the All Iowa Academic Team and am very happy that I am able to receive such a high honor,” Falck shared.
In addition to being named to the All Iowa Academic Team, Schrodt was recognized as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team scholar and will receive a $1,300 scholarship. This is the fourth consecutive year an NICC student has been named to the team.
NICC President Dave Dahms commended both students for their achievements. “Northeast Iowa Community College is incredibly proud of Christi and Ethan for their leadership and dedication to their communities,” stated Dahms. “Christi’s commitment as a published author and student officer and Ethan’s hands-on work in the trades prove that our students are driven to make a significant, positive impact.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than four million members and more than 1,200 chapters.
The All Iowa Academic Team recognition is part of the Community College Leadership in Action Week, highlighting the essential role community college students play in Iowa’s future workforce and leadership landscape. The Coca-Cola Academic Team is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by PTK Honor Society.