Dr. Hioco retires as president of Reedley College
Dr. Barbara Hioco, Reedley College president, is set to retire July 1.
Dr. Hioco’s career in higher education began more than 35 years ago. She was an instructor at Boulder Valley Technical Education Center in Boulder, Colorado, where she taught courses in computer information systems and office administration. She later taught at Fresno City College, before becoming the Title III and grants coordinator for SCCCD. She next worked for West Hills Community College District as dean of instruction, vice president of educational services/assistant superintendent, and eventually college president. She was appointed president of Reedley College in 2004.
“Reedley College is a wonderful place to work,” Dr. Hioco said. “From the first moment I stepped onto campus as president seven years ago, people made me feel welcome and part of the Reedley College family. I feel privileged to have worked with such professional, caring, and talented people who exemplify the ‘students first’ concept each and every day.”
More students, more facilities, more tech
“I feel privileged to have worked with such professional, caring, and talented people who exemplify the ‘students first’ concept each and every day.” - Dr. Barbara Hioco
As president of Reedley College, Dr. Hioco oversaw an increase in student enrollment, as well as an increase in the number of students completing certificate and degree programs and transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Online programs have also increased, along with faculty and student access to technology. New facilities and renovations—including a new residence hall, a new student center, a library expansion, and more—have transformed the face of Reedley College under Dr. Hioco’s watch.
The most important and significant change, Dr. Hioco said, is the expansion of programs and services for students.
“Reedley College offers many extra services to help our students succeed,” she said. “Students are able to overcome potential barriers to their academic success with the use of our counseling services, tutorial services, scholarship and financial aid, veterans services, outreach, and other campus resources.”
For Dr. Hioco, community colleges are an important and necessary part of any community.
“I have always believed in the importance of community colleges,” she said, “and this importance is evident today more than ever. Community colleges offer access and opportunities to people in our communities that no other institution can. We are able to design programs and services that are unique to the communities we serve at an extremely affordable cost. I believe that community colleges are an economic development engine that can have a positive effect on the economic vitality of our state and of our country.”
Staying involved
After she retires as Reedley College president, Dr. Hioco will continue to teach in the educational doctoral program at California State University, Fresno, and she’ll remain involved in a variety of fundraising activities. She’ll also continue to support higher education in the Valley as executive director of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC), an association of 27 colleges and universities throughout the Center Valley.
“By working as the executive director of the Consortium,” she said, “I will be able to continue my advocacy for higher education and stay connected to and contributing to the profession that I love.”
She’ll also be spending plenty of time with her husband August, their four grandchildren—Emily, Alex, Andrew, and Nicholas—and their two dogs, Maggie and Mitch.
“In looking back at my career in higher education, I can truthfully say that I would choose the same career all over again,” Dr. Hioco said. “I cannot think of any other profession that is more rewarding or that can have a more profound effect on peoples’ lives.”
Related posts:
