Karin Hilgersom
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, NV USA
"It’s really important to take advantage of the possible mentors that can help you."
Career Roadmap
Karin's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I've noticed that a major issue within higher education is the idea that students need to focus on one major or discipline. Even as a child, I was interested in so many different subjects but you have to declare one as a major. I believe higher education needs a redesign as a whole. But I think that students can start to make that change by organizing together and stating their requests for more, different educational experiences.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Organizational Communications
California State University, Stanislaus
Graduate Degree
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
University of Oregon
Doctorate
Educational Leadership and Administration, General
University of Oregon
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I’m a child of immigrants—my parents came to the U.S. from Holland in the 1950s and were able to succeed because of my father’s technical degree, which came with the promise of a job in the U.S.
2.
I’ve always loved learning and have been fascinated by a large variety of subjects—even as a young child, I couldn’t wait to get up every morning and go to school.
3.
As an undergrad student, I majored in organizational communication after taking a few communications courses and realizing my passion for the subject.
4.
Having done very well in the communications program during my undergrad career, an advisor noticed my passion and recommended me for a full scholarship to continue my education in graduate school.
5.
At the University of Oregon, I received a master’s degree in rhetoric and communication and a doctorate in educational leadership, policy, and management.
6.
I’ve been a full-time college faculty member for about 16 years—I taught a variety of communications courses and even developed a women's studies program.
7.
After working as a teacher for so many years, I decided it was time to let my leadership skills shine and started down the long path to becoming a community college president.
8.
I was the president of a small college in New York but it wasn’t the right fit for me—after searching for jobs on the west coast, I was offered this position at Truckee Meadows Community College!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You need to focus on one discipline.
How I responded:
I've noticed that a major issue within higher education is the idea that students need to focus on one major or discipline. Even as a child, I was interested in so many different subjects but you have to declare one as a major. I believe higher education needs a redesign as a whole. But I think that students can start to make that change by organizing together and stating their requests for more, different educational experiences.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I’ve faced numerous occasions where a male counterpart has explained a concept to me in great detail assuming that I don't have knowledge of or experience with the concept because I'm a woman. It's a peeve of mine, but I try not to let it affect me.