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Reist Named Paul Harris Fellow
published November 7, 2017
Reist Named Paul Harris Fellow
David Reist, President of Highland Community College, has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Atchison Rotary club. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, to show appreciation for individuals who provide exceptional service in their communities. Reist was nominated for the award by Dr. William Walters, a Highland alumnus who is now a professor of chemistry at the University of Maryland and an active member of Rotary in College Park, MD.
As President of Highland, Reist has led the College with innovative programs and new Centers in the nine county service area of Northeast Kansas. Of most significance is the seamless transition of technical education services as Reist coordinated the merger of Northeast Kansas Technical College with Highland to create the Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison. That merger provided not only the opportunity for continuing and growing technical education in Atchison, but also for expanding those opportunities to the College’s service area. This is epitomized by the creation of the College’s Western Center in Baileyville which provides technical education opportunities to students on the western side of the College’s service area.
The creation of the Western Center also provided the opportunity to expand one of the College’s new programs – Precision Agriculture – and enhance opportunities for Diesel Technology and Welding Technology. Reist also oversaw the creation of the College’s Viticulture and Enology programs which make the College the only provider of education in grape-growing and wine-making. Reist is currently leading the development of a viticulture and enology incubator in Wamego for new entrepreneurs in those fields.
Prior to becoming President at Highland Community College, Reist served as Vice President for Student Services. He was also Director of Financial Aid, taught mathematics, and served as an assistant football coach. A native of Bern, Reist and his wife Marcia have two sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.
