College president to join D.C. summit

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas has been tapped to participate in the first-ever White House Summit on Community Colleges next month.

At the request of Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., Karas and Janine Pease, Fort Peck Community College vice president, were selected to contribute to a summit highlighting the critical role community colleges play in developing America’s work force and educational goals.

 “I’m so pleased to know two of our best leaders in the Montana Community College world will be sharing their unique perspective on the national stage,” Baucus said in a news release. “Dr. Karas is a true expert on the link between education policy and economic development. Dr. Pease has a distinguished record as a leader in advancing education and job opportunities for American Indians.”

Karas has a distinguished list of accomplishments as an administrator and scholar. In addition to her role as president, she serves as chairwoman of the Mountain States Association of Community Colleges and as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges’ Commission on Economic and Workforce Development.

The summit is Oct. 5 with Jill Biden serving as chairwoman. The summit brings together community colleges, businesses, philanthropy, federal and state policy leaders, and students.

People across the country may join on the conversation online at www.WhiteHouse.gov/CommunityCollege. Community college students are encouraged to submit their stories about how community college has changed their lives. 

 Karas was presented the 2009 Association of Community College Trustees Chief Executive Officer Award for the association’s Mountain Region in October 2009. She also was named the 2003 Montana Ambassadors Educator of the Year Award.