Inducted August 25, 2001
Dr. Jack D. Nutt was President of Highland Community College from 1975 to 1982. A quote from the Highlander in 1975 describes the aggressive style of Dr. Nutt and course Highland Community College would take under his direction, "there are a lot of things here that need to be done, and we're gonna (sic) do something - it may be right or wrong, but we're gonna (sic) do it. Dr. Nutt proved to be very successful in handling finances, developing vocational programs, getting accreditation, and expanding the extension programs. For the first time Highland Community College was granted full accreditation from the North Central Accreditation Team in 1977 which meant National recognition. Along with the liberal arts curriculum, vocational training was added to enable students to have an opportunity to find jobs. The agri-business curriculum was expanded. In addition, office education program, administration of justice program, and an emergency medical training program were designed to help prepare students for immediate service in the work force.
During the seven years he was President, Yost Hall, Culbertson Auditorium, Math-Science Building, Heritage Hall, and the new Rubeti Hall were all constructed. Three of the oldest buildings on campus, Irvin Hall, Administration Building, and Allen Field House saw extensive renovations. The new bleachers and resurfaced track improved Kessinger Field. In 1978, the Kansas State Department of Education assigned HCC the responsibility for offering classes in neighboring communities resulting in the outreach extension program growing from fifty-eight in 1974 to one thousand and sixty-six in the spring of 1982. Student activities under Dr. Nutt's tenure were added or re-emphasized to give the student an opportunity for a better collegiate experience. Women's volleyball, basketball, track, and softball programs were added. The Lads and Lassies, dramatic stage performances, drill team-cheerleader performances, Highlander, Student Council activities, Circle K, Science Club, Spanish Club, Phi Beta Lambda, OEA, Delta Psi Omega, Aggies, Newman Club, Campus Christian Fellowship, Who's Who in American Junior Colleges, Earth Day, Math- Science Day, Business Day, Spring Art Contest, Aggie Olympics, and intramurals helped widen the collegiate experience for students.
We are indebted to Dr. Jack D. Nutt and his efforts in making Highland Community College a better place and recognize him as being one of the outstanding administrators in the history of the college.
