By SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato, a longtime business and leadership instructor known for his energy in the classroom and his deep connection to students, has retired after 22 years at Hutchinson Community College.
Naccarato joined HutchCC in 2004, the same year the college launched its entrepreneurship program, bringing with him decades of experience in business, coaching and mentoring. Over more than two decades, he became one of the campus’ most recognizable and popular instructors, earning multiple Blue Dragon Educator of the Year honors.
“It’s just that time when it’s right to spend some more time with the family and the grandkids,” Naccarato said. “I’ll still be around calling Blue Dragon home basketball games (on KHUT and KWBW), so Hutchinson will always feel like home.”
Before arriving at HutchCC, Naccarato spent 25 years working for Dillon’s and Kroger, including 13 years as a director of human resources. He said that background shaped his teaching philosophy, which focused on developing people and helping them reach their goals.
“A big part of my job was helping people develop,” he said. “Instead of doing it one-on-one, I got to move to the classroom and do it in groups. The Blue Dragon students and staff have always been tremendous.”
Naccarato’s path to teaching began earlier. While still in college, he was asked to step in and teach classes for his father, a professor at Emporia State University, after his father suffered a stroke. The experience sparked a long-held desire to teach and coach.
“That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed teaching,” Naccarato said. “I always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps.”
At HutchCC, Naccarato became known for building community beyond the classroom. His semi-annual Management and Entrepreneur’s Forum brought local business leaders and Fortune 500 executives to campus, exposing students to real-world perspectives and professional opportunities.
He was also widely recognized across the community by his nickname, “Coach Nac,” a title that followed him from years of coaching youth sports, high school football, basketball and American Legion baseball.
“It just kind of stuck,” he said. “And it’s a little easier to say than Naccarato.”
Asked about the impact he had on students, Naccarato deflected the praise.
“I really feel like I learned more from the students than they learned from me,” he said. “The best way to learn something is to coach it or teach it, and the longer I taught, the more I got to learn.”
Since announcing his retirement, Naccarato said he has been overwhelmed by messages from former students and colleagues.
“That really caught me by surprise,” he said. “It certainly choked me up a little bit.”
Looking ahead, Naccarato said he is still adjusting to life without an alarm clock but expects to remain active in the community.
“I’m going to miss helping people be successful,” he said. “I’ll probably miss that forever, but hopefully I can still help people along the way in an unofficial capacity.”
HutchCC recognized Naccarato for his passion, leadership and lasting impact, thanking him for “22 years of enthusiasm and unwavering belief in students,” and for making every day, as he often said, “a great day to study business.”