MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson Community College is marking the end of an era as longtime instructor Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato retires after 22 years of service to the college and its students.
Naccarato concludes his career as a Business and Leadership Instructor at Hutchinson Community College, leaving behind a legacy defined by enthusiasm, mentorship, and a deep commitment to student success.
Before joining HutchCC, Naccarato spent years coaching and mentoring student-athletes in the Hutchinson area, experiences that shaped his approach in the classroom. That background aligned seamlessly in 2004, when the college launched its Entrepreneurship Program and Naccarato stepped into a role that blended education, leadership, and real-world business insight.
Over more than two decades, Naccarato became known for courses that consistently filled to capacity, driven by his engaging teaching style, infectious energy, and personal investment in students. Colleagues and students alike often described him as more than an instructor — he was a motivator who built relationships and fostered confidence.
Beyond the classroom, Naccarato helped connect students with the broader business community through his semi-annual Management & Entrepreneur’s Forum. The event brought together local business leaders alongside Fortune 500 executives, giving students direct exposure to professional perspectives and encouraging them to think ambitiously about their futures.
His impact was recognized multiple times through honors as a Blue Dragon Educator of the Year, reflecting both his instructional excellence and his lasting influence on campus culture.
As HutchCC closes another year in Blue Dragon history, college leaders and students are celebrating Naccarato’s contributions and wishing him well in retirement.
“Thank you, Dan, for 22 years of leadership, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in your students,” the college said in a statement. “Congratulations on your well-earned retirement and thank you for making every day a great day to study business at HutchCC.”