At Independence Community College, Laura Larimore’s journey is a true full-circle story; one built on determination, growth, and a deep connection to the campus community.
Today, Laura serves as the Student Success and Admissions Manager, where she oversees the admissions process for traditional students, supervises academic advisors, and supports student success initiatives across campus. She also serves as the academic advisor for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, helping students navigate their educational paths with confidence.
But Laura’s path to leadership didn’t happen overnight.
She first joined ICC as a student worker in 2013 and later returned as Head Security Guard; one of several roles that would shape her career. From there, she continued to grow within the institution, serving as a navigator, then an academic advisor, before stepping into her current role in admissions leadership.
“My favorite part of working at ICC is that it feels like home,” Laura shares. “As a student, being here was the best thing for me, and to have grown alongside ICC has been wonderful.”
That lived experience fuels her passion for helping students, especially those who may feel uncertain about starting college. As a first-generation college student, Laura understands the challenges many ICC students face.
“I enjoy getting to know the students and helping them navigate their journey,” she says. “I understand the struggle our students face, especially when they don’t understand much of the collegiate world.”
In her role, Laura not only ensures the admissions process runs smoothly but also works behind the scenes to keep advisors informed and equipped to support students effectively. Her impact can be felt across campus, from first inquiry to graduation.
Outside of work, Laura channels her creativity through makeup artistry. A self-described enthusiast, she especially enjoys special effects makeup and the ability to completely transform her appearance into something unrecognizable.
For Laura, ICC represents more than a workplace; it represents opportunity and resilience.
“ICC is special to me because it’s what I needed growing up. I have worked very hard to get to where I am now, and to see it come full circle by setting a goal, working toward it, and then reaching it… I was never supposed to go to college, so the fact that I beat that stigma makes me proud.”
From student worker to admissions leader, Laura’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible at ICC and a reflection of the supportive, student-centered environment she now helps create every day.