HCC Leadership
HCC Leadership
Highland Community College is guided by an experienced leadership team—including our
president, vice presidents, and Board of Trustees—who are dedicated to advancing our
mission of providing lifelong learning and supporting economic growth to enrich the
communities we proudly serve.
The success of Highland Community College depends on the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, who ensure we remain a leader in education and a catalyst for economic growth.
Dr. Vincent Bowhay
Dr. Vincent Bowhay’s association with Highland Community College first began as a student taking college
courses while still in high school at Royal Valley in Hoyt, Kansas. He holds a bachelor’s
degree from Washburn University, a master of arts from Ball State University and a
doctor of education from Baker University. He completed Stanford University’s executive
leadership program in 2022. Prior to accepting the Presidency at HCC, Bowhay held
administrative positions at Independence Community College, Missouri Western State
University, Fort Hays State University and Campus Labs.
His most recent book, “The Proper Role of Higher Education in a Democratic Society,” re-examines the role higher education plays in preparing students for a life of civic engagement and community leadership. Bowhay was one of 25 leaders nationwide selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship.
Eric Ketchum
Eric Ketchum serves as the Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Highland Community College, where
he has been a dedicated educator for over 11-years, teaching Psychology courses. Prior
to his career in higher education, Eric spent seven-years as a Licensed School Psychologist
across Kansas, where he applied his expertise to support students’ mental health and
educational needs.
Eric holds bachelor’s degrees in both Psychology and Sociology from Kansas State University, as well as a Master’s Degree and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Emporia State University. His extensive background in psychology combined with his teaching experience in the classroom, positions him as a leader in the success and growth of the academic community at HCC.
Lucas Hunziger
Lucas Hunziger, Vice President of Technical Education, came to Highland Community
College from USD #449 where he was an Industrial Technology Instructor for 12 years.
He previously served as Director of the HCC Technical Center in Atchison for seven
years. Lucas is a native Kansan graduating from Atchison High School before earning
his bachelor’s in Technology Education from Pittsburg State University.
He also holds a Master Degree in Education from Baker University and a Master Degree in School Leadership from Benedictine College.
Keith Jaloma
After graduating from Conway Springs High School, Keith Jaloma pursued his studies
at Kansas State University. His career began in the grain industry before he transitioned
to becoming an IT recruiter. For the past 34 years, Keith has been dedicated to higher
education, where he’s found a fulfilling and rewarding path.
Outside of work, he cherishes his wife of 40 years, their six children and seven grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf.
Lexy Clark
With a deep commitment to student success, Lexy Clark brings over a decade of experience in higher education, primarily at the community college level. Prior to this role, she has served in three other positions at Highland Community College. As the Human Resource Manager, she leads strategic HR initiatives, oversaw compliance efforts, and played a key role in policy development and federal agreement implementation. As the Director of Advising and Student Success Center, she supported over 300 students annually and led innovative programs to enhance academic advising, disability services, and student engagement. Beginning her career in Student Support Services, she has consistently advocated for first-generation, low-income, and special needs students.
Ms. Clark holds a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership in Higher Education. She is HCC Alumni, class of 2012.
Rick Duncan
Rick Duncan serves as the Vice President for Administrative Services at Highland Community College. A pioneering and performance-oriented operations leader, Rick brings extensive experience in strategic planning, operational excellence, and organizational design to the Highland leadership team.
Throughout his distinguished career—including executive leadership roles at Prairie Band LLC, Pilot Water Solutions, and TC Energy—Rick has built a proven track record of optimizing efficiency, spearheading major infrastructure and cost-avoidance projects, and fostering high-performance cultures. He is deeply committed to alignment, safety, and productivity, leveraging his background in asset management and team building to advance the college's operational goals and support a thriving campus community.