Flint Hills Technical College staff, students and the Emporia community showed up to the college’s main campus Friday to bid farewell to its long-time leader.
A farewell and recognition celebration was held for President Dean Hollenbeck who will officially enter retirement on Wednesday after leading the college for the past 15 years. Hollenbeck says with Friday’s celebration, the reality of retirement has begun to set in.
College Vice-President of Instructional Services Steve Loewen says the impacts of Hollenbeck’s tenure can be seen both inside the college and far outside it as well.
After his final day, Hollenbeck is planning to move to northern Oklahoma to be closer to family. During his time as president, Hollenbeck has overseen an expansion in both programs, with nine new programs being established during his tenure, and an expansion in student enrollment as the college reached the 1,100 student mark back in 2016. Hollenbeck was also a major driving force behind the Inspiring Wranglers Capital Campaign which led to an expansion of the Hospitality and Culinary Arts department at the college.
In recognition of his service and dedication to the college and community, the new student commons area was officially named the Dr. R Dean Hollenbeck Student Commons.
Dr. Caron Daugherty, Hollenbeck’s replacement, will officially start Thursday but will be in town next week before her tenure begins.
