KPC's Kachemak Bay Campus Director Carol Swartz announces retirement
by Michelle Saport |
Carol Swartz, director of KPC's Kachemak Bay Campus for the last 32 years, has announced her retirement from the University of Alaska System effective Dec. 31, 2018.
Swartz has been instrumental over the years in growing the campus in Homer. She greatly increased the number of students attending, number of programs and classes offered and having the campus become the "community square" on the Southern Kenai Peninsula.
She founded the nationally acclaimed Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference that just celebrated its 17th year. Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and many other nationally and Alaskan-known writers have participated in the annual event hosting 120 attendees every June.
During her tenure, Swartz has been recognized for her work at the campus, the Writers' Conference and community outreach. These awards included:
- Alaska Women's Hall of Fame
- YWCA Alaska/BP Women of Achievement Award
- Governor's Award for Distinguished Service to the Humanities
- University of Alaska Meritorious Service Award
- Alaska Adult Education Association's John L. Huber Award
- Alaska Center for the Book Contributions in Literacy in Alaska Award
A national search will begin immediately. Finalists for the position will visit the campus for interviews in September and October; the selected candidate is expected to start in early December.
Interested applicants should visit: kpc.alaska.edu/employment
"Carol has been the heart and soul of KBC and has done amazing work for the university, KPC and the Homer community," said Gary J. Turner, KPC director/CEO. "I've tried to convince her to stay, but retirement has called and she'll be able to relax, travel and spend more time at home... she's virtually lived at the campus," he added.
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