Hughes named college vice president

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead Valley Community College officials announced Thursday the appointment of Kathy Hughes as vice president of instruction.

She has served as interim vice president since April. Effective Wednesday, Hughes begins her permanent tenure in the position.

"I am very excited that Kathy accepted this position," FVCC President Jane Karas said.

Karas said Hughes' expertise and knowledge of the college made the position a perfect fit. The vice president's duties include planning, development, coordination and leadership for all the instructional programs at the college.

"I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty here at FVCC," Hughes said.

Hughes has worked in education for 30 years. Prior to taking the interim vice president job, she was director of continuing education at the community college from 1986 to 2004.

She moved to the Flathead Valley from Texas in 1982. Hughes began working at the college as an adjunct (part-time) instructor and administrative assistant.

Hughes was a driving force in forming partnerships with other Montana colleges and universities to bring bachelor's and master's degrees to the Flathead Valley.

She also represented the college on organizations concerned with economic development. These include Flathead Regional Business Center, Flathead Business and Education Council and Montana Economic Developers Association.

Hughes serves the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities as an evaluator. She led Flathead Valley Community College's self-study steering committee in preparation for the 2002 accreditation visit.

Her educational background includes a master's degree in education from North Texas State University and a bachelor's from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.