Labette Community College and the LCC Alumni Association announced that Jackie Vietti, Ph.D., has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Cardinal Citation Award. This honor is the highest recognition LCC bestows upon individuals, celebrating a lifetime of exceptional service to the college and/or to their communities.
The 2025 ceremony will mark the 53rd annual presentation of the Cardinal Citation Award.
Vietti holds a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Kansas State University, a master’s degree in Community College Teaching from Pittsburg State University and a Ph.D. in adult and occupational education from Kansas State University.
A trailblazer in public higher education, Vietti’s career has touched college campuses throughout the region. She currently serves as the interim President of Butler Community College and as facilitator of the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute (KCCLI). Yet her journey began at LCC in 1979 when she accepted a position as coordinator of instructional projects.
“My world changed after answering that ad in the Parsons Sun,” said Vietti. “From the moment I set foot on campus and witnessed lives being changed on a daily basis, my passion for the difference-making work of community colleges never diminished.”
During her 16-year tenure at LCC, Vietti served in various roles, including associate dean, dean of instruction and even served as interim president, gaining valuable experience and serving Southeast Kansas. She then joined Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri, as dean of arts and sciences/instruction, before accepting the presidency at Butler Community College in 1995.
As the Butler’s first female president, Vietti led the college for 17 years, increasing enrollment by 21% and overseeing several major capital projects.
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Under her leadership, Butler solidified its status as the second largest public community college in the state.
After retiring from Butler, Vietti continued to serve higher education. She accepted positions as interim president at Emporia State University and acting president at Kansas City Kansas Community College, providing strong, steady leadership during transitional periods.
In 2015, Vietti co-developed and launched the Kansas Community College Leadership Institute, a nine-month program designed to cultivate future leaders within the Kansas community college system. As the program’s facilitator and primary author, she worked in collaboration with a presidential advisory council and the executive director of the Kansas Community College Association to develop a curriculum focused on leadership, networking and system-wide knowledge. Nearly 200 participants have completed the program, with many alumni advancing into roles such as president, vice president and dean.
Throughout her career, Vietti has remained closely connected to LCC and its mission. “ After nearly 46 years in higher education, there is nowhere I would rather have invested my time and energy,” said Vietti. “I will be forever grateful to Labette for allowing me to find my niche in life.”
Vietti has received numerous accolades for her leadership and service, including Chief Executive Officer of the Year award for the Western Region of the Association of Community College Trustees, and the 2020 Council for Advancement and Support Education (CASE) District VI Chief Executive Leadership Award. She was awarded Emporia State University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024.
Reflecting on her contributions, Vietti emphasized her commitment to student success and continuous improvement.
“It is my belief that no matter how good things are, everyone affiliated with any college or university is called to make things better for students and one another. It also is my unwavering conviction that each individual in an organization has something of value to contribute to the work at hand.”
Even more enduring is the love, admiration and support she attributes to her immediate family, including her better half Ray (deceased), her five children and their equally amazing spouses, Dana and Pete, Angela and Steve, Mike and Emily, Chris and Lilly, James (deceased) and, in her words, her brilliant grandchildren, Phia, Arthur, Audrey, Penelope, Hugo and Charlie.
Whether serving as a president, advocate, or mentor, Vietti’s impact on Kansas higher education is significant and enduring.
She will be honored at the 53rd annual Cardinal Citation Reception on Wednesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Cardinal Event Center. The public is invited.
