Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas to Retire

Jane Karas, the president of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2024, concluding a notable 27-year career with the institution. Karas began her journey at FVCC in 1999 as the vice president of academic and student services and took on the presidency two years later. Her leadership has significantly shaped the college and its community.

In a statement regarding her upcoming retirement, Karas reflected on her time at FVCC, stating, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve FVCC as its president for the last 25 years. The outstanding faculty, staff, and visionary trustees at the college are the foundation of FVCC’s success and its role as an essential community resource.” She emphasized the importance of collaboration with community partners in education, business, and government, highlighting a commitment to addressing the long-term needs of students and the community.

During her tenure, FVCC underwent substantial growth. The campus expanded from four buildings to 13, with more than 150 acres acquired through strategic initiatives. Under her leadership, significant projects were completed, including a student housing facility and the Wachholz College Center, a multimillion-dollar performing arts and activity center that opened in summer 2023.

Additionally, Karas oversaw the expansion of academic offerings, which now include over 114 degrees, certificates, and licensures, along with opportunities for study abroad and distance learning. She played a crucial role in fostering programs such as the Running Start dual enrollment initiative, allowing high school students to earn college credits while still in school. Programs like Kids College and Senior Institute have further extended the college’s reach, benefiting students of all ages.

Karas’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her leadership has garnered numerous accolades, including the Bellwether Award, the Chamber Legacy Award, and the title of Montana Ambassadors Educator of the Year. Board of Trustees Chair Callie Langohr commended Karas’s impact, stating, “Jane Karas has given 25 years of exceptional leadership to this college and this community. Her legacy is measured not just in buildings and programs, but in the countless lives she has helped shape through her commitment to accessible, high-quality education.”

The Board of Trustees plans to initiate a nationwide search for Karas’s successor in the coming weeks. As FVCC prepares for this transition, the community reflects on the significant contributions of Jane Karas and the lasting impact she has made on the college and its students.