ANNAPOLIS — Anne Arundel Community College has named Karen L. Hays, Ph.D., as the college’s new Vice President for Learning, effective July 1, 2013. In that role, Hays will provide leadership for the Schools of Arts and Sciences; Business, Computing and Technical Studies; Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education; Continuing and Professional Studies; the Center for Workforce Solutions; and the Virtual Campus. Reporting to the president, the vice president is responsible for instructional and curricular planning for both credit and continuing education programs, comprehensive program reviews, enrollment management, faculty hiring, promotion and tenure, budget management and strategic planning.
“AACC is fortunate to have had a very competitive pool of applicants for this position. I believe the high degree of interest is due to the stellar reputation the college has at the local, regional, state and national levels,” said Dr. Dawn Lindsay, AACC president.
“Dr. Hays comes to us with a proven background in understanding educational trends, providing leadership, shaping direction and creating strong partnerships with both internal and external constituent groups. Most importantly, her collaborative work style lends itself to working with our dedicated faculty in meeting the educational needs of the communities we serve. I believe she is the perfect fit for AACC and I am pleased to welcome her to our team.”
Hays comes to AACC from Middlesex County College where she has been the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs since August 2005. Before taking that position, she served in various capacities at Miami Dade College, beginning in 1974, including teaching, counseling, human resources and student services before becoming Vice Provost for Education Policy, Programs and Analysis from 1999 to 2003 and then Dean of Academic Affairs from 2003 to 2005.
Hays says she looks forward to becoming a member of the AACC team and is eager to work alongside faculty, staff and students in support of the college’s vision and mission. AACC’s deep commitment to teaching and learning, as evidenced by its involvement with many national and local initiatives, is one of the reasons the college appealed to her.
“It is readily apparent that Anne Arundel Community College’s culture is one that values innovation and collaboration, both internally and externally, so that students have the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations,” Hays said. “AACC is well known for its exemplary faculty and staff’s dedication to student learning and success, and I am extraordinarily grateful and excited to have the opportunity to join the AACC team.”
Hays began her college education at a community college, earning an Associate in Arts in General Studies from Miami Dade College. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Florida, a Master’s of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Florida Atlantic University and her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Austin.
In both Florida and New Jersey, Hays has been active in business, community and educational organizations. She received the Community College Spirit Award from the Council of County Colleges in June 2012, was selected as “Woman of The Year” in 2011 by the Central Jersey Women in Business and served as president of the Academic Officers Association of New Jersey from 2009-2010. She also has worked with the Institute for Community College Development and the National Council of Instructional Administrators.
Hays replaces Patricia A. Casey-Whiteman, who was serving as the interim Vice President for Learning during the vice presidential search in addition to handling her regular duties as Associate Vice President for Learning. She will continue in the associate vice president role.