New CEO
Ken Udas will serve as the next president of Charter Oak State College — Connecticut’s online college — effective October 30. He is currently vice provost of digital learning initiatives at the University of Idaho.
In his role at Idaho, Udas launched Keep Learning Idaho, a new, continuing, professional and adult education unit that generated more than 900 enrollments during its initial pilot and has since grown to over 3,000 enrollments, according to a release. He also initiated more than six new online and hybrid academic programs, expanding educational opportunities for students beyond the traditional campus experience.
Udas joins Charter Oak at an important time of growth for the college, according to Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. During fall 2025, Charter Oak saw a 17% increase in total student enrollment. Earlier this year, the college announced the expansion of the CT AI Academy, which helps workers at small and medium-sized businesses develop the AI fluency needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.
“Over three decades, Ken has worked with faculty, staff, students, employers, government agencies and educational partners to identify innovative ways to expand academic opportunities while building sustainable growth strategies,” said Ari Santiago, interim chair of the Connecticut Board of Regents. “His work has helped increase enrollment, improve the learner experience, prepare students for rewarding careers, and forge new partnerships with employers and communities. He will be a great asset as Charter Oak continues to build on its distinctive role as Connecticut’s public online college and a workforce driver.”
Interim president
Jamie Hooyman is now the interim president at North Central Missouri College (NCMC). Most recently, she retired from Northwest Missouri State University, where she was vice president of academic affairs and provost since 2017.
Prior to Northwest, Hooyman spent more than a decade at NCMC, serving in several key leadership positions, including vice president of institutional effectiveness. In that role, she provided oversight for instruction, student services, grants, dual credit and outreach programs, business and industry partnerships, and information technology initiatives, according to a release. She also represented the college on numerous state-level committees and task forces.
Hooyman was also a faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma, and held leadership roles at the Metropolitan Community College and Jackson County.
“She brings a wealth of higher education experience, a strong understanding of our institution, and a demonstrated commitment to student success,” said NCMC board President Diane Lowrey. “Her leadership will provide continuity, stability, and support as we move through the presidential search process and continue serving our students and communities.”
Kudos
Paula P. Pando, president of Reynolds Community College in Virginia, is the recipient of the 2026 Liderazgo Visionario Award from the National Community College Hispanic Council. The award honors an executive whose “visionary leadership has significantly benefited their community college and its Hispanic student population.” The council noted the transformation Pando has led at her college since becoming president in 2018, including strengthening student outcomes, expanding access and deepening partnerships with employers and community organizations. It also observed her national leadership through her service on the board of directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Appointments
Sara M. Butler was recently appointed vice chancellor of academic affairs at Honolulu Community College. She previously was dean of languages, arts and academic support at Crafton Hills College.
Steph Caballero has joined Borough of Manhattan Community College as its associate director of alumni affairs and member engagement. She previously worked at Columbia University’s Teachers College as senior associate director of alumni relations.
Renee Craig-Marius is now vice chancellor of student services and support at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Most recently, she was assistant superintendent/vice president of student services at Gavilan College.
John Hamblin is the new vice president of student affairs at Paradise Valley Community College (Arizona). He comes from Lewis & Clark College (Oregon), where he served as an adjunct faculty member. He previously worked at Mt. Hood Community College (Oregon) as vice president of student development.
Calleigh Kearns has been named interim assistant director of recruitment at Ocean County College. She previously served as the New Jersey college’s enrollment services advisor.
Sue Maggioni is the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at Middlesex Community College (Massachusetts). She most recently served as assistant provost at MassBay Community College.
Melissa Mills-Dick is now vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the Holyoke Community College Foundation in Massachusetts. She comes from Hampshire College, where she most recently was chief advancement officer and previously held leadership roles in advancement, campaign strategy, alumni relations and communications.
Terri L. Winfree will serve as interim vice president of academics at Gogebic Community College in Michigan. She currently leads her own consulting business. Winfree also serves as co-president of the Illinois Community College System Foundation. She served as president of Prairie State College (Illinois) from 2013 to 2020.
