(KNZA)--The 45th president of Highland Community College has been named.

The College announced Dr. Vincent Bowhay was approved on an unanimous vote by the HCC Board of Trustees Monday evening following a national search by a hiring committee.

Bowhay will begin his new role July 1st.

The College said in a release that he brings with him more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. Bowhay has served as president of Independence Community College since 2021. Prior to that, he served in student affairs roles at Missouri Western State University and Fort Hays State University.

Bowhay was among three finalists for the position, selected from more than 50 applicants. The three candidates came to Highland to give presentations to faculty, staff and students in-person and via ZOOM at the end of January. After presentations and interviews on-campus were complete, faculty, staff and students were asked to submit feedback and recommendations to the hiring committee.

Bowhay will succeed Deborah Fox, who will retire June 30th after serving as HCC President for five years.

“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,” said Tom Smith, chair of the Board of Trustees.

“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- student-centric, mission-driven approach to education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” said Bowhay.