MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As students gear up for a new academic year at Hutchinson Community College, President Dr. Tricia Paramore is reflecting on a successful first year at the helm — and setting the tone for continued growth and accessibility in the year ahead.
Paramore, a longtime faculty member and administrator who began her career at HutchCC in 1996 as a biology instructor, stepped into the presidency on July 1, 2024. Now entering her 30th year with the college, she said her first year in the role was steady, productive and fulfilling.
“It could have been really big ups and big downs, but it wasn’t,” Paramore said. “It was really great. I’ve got a great team and our staff is amazing. Our customer service philosophy is to bring your A-game every day, be responsive and help people feel at home.”
That team-focused approach seems to be paying off. HutchCC celebrated another record graduating class in 2024 with approximately 1,000 graduates. Of those, 475 students crossed the stage in May, a moment Paramore called a “great time of celebration.”
The college also awarded more than 1,700 degrees and certificates last year — accounting for 11% of all credentials earned at Kansas community colleges.
“That's saying something,” Paramore said. “It speaks to the strength and accessibility of our programs.”
Fall Enrollment Trending Up
Enrollment for the upcoming fall semester is currently trending about 6% higher than last year, although Paramore noted those numbers fluctuate daily leading up to the start of classes on Aug. 20. Some specialized programs, such as physical therapy assistant training, are already underway.
Expanding Technical and Workforce Pathways
In line with changing workforce needs, HutchCC continues to expand its technical and certificate programs. Among the newest is a John Deere program in partnership with PrairieLand Partners. The two-year program, based at South Campus and the PrairieLand facility on K-61, will offer students industry-specific training, tool allowances and job placement upon completion.
Paramore added, “These students are going to have jobs when they finish.”
The push to support technical training reflects a broader shift away from the traditional four-year college track.
“College looks different for everyone,” Paramore said. “When you and I were in school, the four-year degree was the norm. Now, some students want to go straight into the workforce with a certificate or associate degree — and that’s great, too.”
Strong Presence in Area High Schools
HutchCC also continues to play a major role in dual-credit education across the region. Last year, nearly 2,300 high school students in 33 schools across Reno, McPherson, Harvey, and part of Rice County earned college credits through HutchCC.
“These students can graduate from high school already two or three steps ahead,” Paramore said. Many of the courses are part of the state’s Systemwide Transfer program, allowing for seamless credit transfer to Kansas universities.
Technical classes like welding, machining, auto body, and electrician training are also offered in high schools, supported by Senate Bill 155, which covers tuition for qualifying technical courses.
A Network of Campuses and Partnerships
In addition to its main campus in Hutchinson, HutchCC maintains outreach centers in Newton and McPherson, as well as numerous program-specific sites within Hutchinson — including facilities for barbering, cosmetology, fire science and agriculture diesel mechanics.
Paramore emphasized that HutchCC’s broad reach and partnerships make education both affordable and accessible.
“Eighty-six percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance,” she said. “And students who take courses in high school at the reduced tuition rate can even get reimbursed if they attend HutchCC full time after graduation. It’s almost like getting two classes for the price of one.”
Looking Ahead
With momentum building, Paramore is focused on continuing to meet community needs through high-quality education, responsive workforce training and strong student support.
“As a president, it’s not about me — it’s about how we serve our students, our community and the state,” she said. “And that’s what we’re committed to doing, every day.”