Meet The Staff

Hi all! I am so thankful to serve in this role and work with you! I graduated from Highland Community College (go Scotties!), and transferred to Kansas State University (go Cats!) to complete a degree in Hospitality Management, with an emphasis in Event Management, and a minor in Business Management. I love building relationships with people! While I was a student at Kansas State University, I received the "Extraordinary Student Award." This award is given to students who have been successful in their academic pursuits while facing opposition or significant obstacles. These experiences have truly made me who I am today.

For the majority of my young adult life, I have lived and worked in Manhattan, Kansas, a community that is very dear to me. I have a passion for engaging and growing young people and community development. My husband, Joel, and I decided to transition closer to home in the Fall of 2023. We just celebrated a year of marriage!! We love Jesus Christ and spending meaningful time with family and friends! We also enjoy coffee, travelling, staying active, ~and now~, gardening and remodeling our new home. Joel manages our small business, Hutfles Home Improvements, where he enjoys completing small home projects for people in the area. Let me know if you have a home project we can complete for you! He is also the Youth Minister at NorthRidge in Falls City, Nebraska.

We are grateful for the kindness we have been shown since moving here. It has been such a blessing. Wishing you a great 2024!

Hey everyone! My name is Kim Bechtold, and I am beginning my 12th year working with the SSS program as the Transfer Advisor. I was a transfer student myself and attended HCC for one year before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University.  There I earned a bachelor’s degree in Merchandising with a minor in Business.  After working in the design field for a few years I began my career in Higher Education working at Baker Universities Overland Park campus as a Graduate Enrollment Advisor.  The best part of my job here at Highland is getting to know our students and seeing how we can help them reach their goals! TRiO program truly work and I love being a part of our students success. 

Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my husband (Josh) and two kids (Mason-13 & Mila-9). The kids keep us busy with football, basketball, baseball, dance, and many other activities throughout the year. We love living in the country and letting our dog, Steven the boxer, run free!