Dr. Sheree Utash Appointed to AACC Board of Directors as Affiliated Council Representative

WICHITA, KAN. – WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash has been selected to serve as the Affiliated Council Representative on the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Board of Directors, a role designated by the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC). Dr. Utash will serve in this capacity through June 30, 2027, succeeding Dr. Douglas Jensen, former president of Bismarck State College, who retired in December 2024.

This appointment marks a return to national board service for Dr. Utash, who previously served on the AACC Board of Directors from 2018 to 2021. With decades of leadership in technical education and workforce development, she brings a deep commitment to bridging industry and education to address the evolving needs of the workforce.

“I am honored to represent the NCATC and serve once again on the AACC Board of Directors,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “Community and technical colleges play a crucial role in workforce development, and I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the country to advance education and economic opportunity.”

Craig McAtee, Executive Director & CEO of the NCATC, praised Dr. Utash’s appointment, stating, “Dr. Utash has been a champion for workforce-aligned education and a leader in building strong industry partnerships. Her expertise, leadership and passion will be invaluable to the NCATC and AACC Board as they continue to advocate for innovation in technical and community college education.”

The AACC Board Chair, Dr. Sunita Cooke, Superintendent and President of MiraCosta College ,also welcomed Dr. Utash’s return, adding, “Dr. Utash is a highly regarded national leader in workforce education. Her experience and vision will strengthen AACC’s efforts to support community and technical colleges across the nation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Dr. Utash’s continued national leadership reinforces WSU Tech’s commitment to excellence in applied learning and workforce education, further positioning the institution as a leader in technical education innovation.

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research hub, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.