Karin Hilgersom

About Karin

• 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.
• 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.
• As an undergrad student, I majored in organizational communication after taking a few communications courses and realizing my passion for the subject.
• 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.
• At the University of Oregon, I received a master’s degree in rhetoric and communication and a doctorate in educational leadership, policy, and management.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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!