By Trish Svoboda

Dr. Vincent Bowhay has been appointed as the 45th president of Highland Community College (HCC) following a unanimous vote by the HCC Board of Trustees.

Bowhay, currently serving as the 16th president of Independence Community College, will assume his new role on July 1, 2024. The selection process involved a national search, with Bowhay as the preferred candidate among over 50 applicants.

Tom Smith, the chair of the Board of Trustees, who highlighted Bowhay’s experience, student-centered approach, and commitment to community opportunities.

“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.

With over a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation, Bowhay has held leadership roles in both public and private sectors. In addition, he was selected for the prestigious Aspen Institute New Presidents Fellowship in 2021, recognizing his dedication to advancing equitable student outcomes.