Barton Community College Vice President Dr. Penny Quinn has accepted a position as President at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Ill.
The public is invited to a come-and-go farewell reception from 3-5 p.m. Friday, May 8 in room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building.
Dr. Quinn has served Barton as vice president for six years.
“Barton has an impressive number of opportunities for students,” she said of her favorite aspect of Barton. “For many, this is the first opportunity they have to exercise leadership. From the playing field or court, to the many clubs and organizations at Barton, we just have so many opportunities for student to grow their leadership skills.”
Leadership and community involvement have been key components of Dr. Quinn’s tenure in central Kansas. She has served as the president of the Heartland Farm advisory committee, as a member of the Zoo Board for the Brit Spaugh Zoo and was active in local civic clubs.
She said she is also proud of the improvements she has seen in the communication at Barton between individuals, departments, divisions and campuses.
Dr. Quinn said she initially planned to stick around until retirement since her daughters and grandchildren were nearby when she took the position in 2009, but they moved to Indiana and the distance was too much for her to bear. This change brings her to within a two-hour drive of her family.
Dr. Quinn’s last day at Barton is June 1 and her first day at Kaskaskia College is June 8.