By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A college administrator very familiar with the area has become the next president of Highland Community College.
The Highland Community College Board of Trustees has hired Vincent Bowhay as the college’s 45th president. Bowhay currently serves as president of Independence Community College in southeast Kansas. Bowhay worked at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph and Fort Hays State University prior to serving at Independence CC.
The role at Highland drew more than 50 applicants. Bowhay begins his duties as president July 1st.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience, compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities. Welcome home, Vince,” Tom Smith, chair of the Highland CC Board of Trustees, said in a written statement released by the college.
Bowhay was one of three finalists who came to the Highland campus to speak with faculty, staff, and students.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am tremendously inspired by Highland’s student-centric, mission-driven approach to education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” said Bowhay in a written statement released by the college.
Bowhay has more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation.
In 2021, Bowhay was one of 25 community college presidents nationwide selected for the prestigious Aspen Institute New Presidents Fellowship.
Bowhay received his undergraduate degree at Washburn University, a masters from Ball State University, and a doctorate from Baker University.
Bowhay will succeed President Deborah Fox, who is retiring.
Highland Community College, located in Highland, Kansas, was the first college established in Kansas in 1858. It serves nearly 4000 students annually.
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