About HCC

Dear future Scotties,

Welcome to Highland Community College! I am honored to serve as the 45th President. And I am delighted to welcome you to the first college in the state of Kansas. Whether you are a prospective student exploring our outstanding offerings, a current member of our campus community, an alum, or a member of Scottie Nation, I thank you for your interest in Highland!

Highland Community Colleges boasts three distinctive strengths: we are the destination of choice for a quality education, we have many programs of distinction, and our powerful sense of community.

As the first college in Kansas, we take immense pride in our rich heritage of educating generations of Kansans. We are the destination of choice for a quality education in Northeast Kansas and beyond. Indeed, we have many nationally recognized programs that range from nursing to welding to fine arts.

Moreover, Highland Community College is synonymous with excellence through our programs of distinction. From our nationally ranked athletic teams to our engaged student organizations, our students receive a well-rounded and challenging education that helps them achieve greatness academically and grow socially.

At the heart of Scottie Nation lies a powerful sense of community. Whether on our Highland campus, at our regional centers in Atchison, Baileyville, and Wamego, or throughout Northeast Kansas and beyond, we embrace our alumni, friends, and supporters. No matter where you are, you will always be welcomed into the Scottie family, where every member is valued.

As a Scottie, you are more than just a student to our dedicated faculty and staff; you are an integral part of the Scottie family. I warmly invite you to discover all that Highland has to offer by touring our beautiful campus and applying for admission today. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Highland Community College soon!

Warm regards,

 

Dr. Vincent Bowhay

President

Highland Community College

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Mission

Highland Community College, the first college in Kansas, provides lifelong learning opportunities and contributes to economic development to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.

History

Highland Community College began as Highland University in 1858, making it the first college in Kansas.  After eight name changes, the college has now provided higher education opportunities to the people of Northeast Kansas for more than 160 years. The college has traditionally prepared students to continue their studies at baccalaureate institutions.  Studies conducted at the Regents universities in Kansas show that students who begin their college careers at HCC and then transfer do as well or better academically as all other students who transfer to those universities and those who start there.

Approximately 4,000 students (1,699 FTE) are enrolled on the main campus (Highland), at regional centers in Atchison, Baileyville, Perry, and Wamego, through HCC Online, or concurrently at one of the 31 high schools in HCC’s service area. The main campus is located in a small, rural Northeast Kansas community surrounded by agricultural land. The main campus has 18 apartment-style residence halls, thriving athletics programs, and active student life. Across all of its locations, HCC offers 14 different Associate degrees and 18 technical certificates.

The history and mission of the college can best be described as providing opportunities for higher education that citizens in the region would not have had otherwise. Whether as a conduit to a four-year degree, for professional enhancement, or personal development, the college has provided affordable access to higher education in Northeast Kansas.

The college is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees elected from Doniphan County and is coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents.