Manage episode 520449057 series 3682942
What does it take for a college to truly belong to its community? Dr. Jane Karas, President of Flathead Valley Community College, joins host David Wigginton to share how listening, partnership, and follow-through have shaped FVCC into both an educational powerhouse and a community cornerstone. From her unexpected journey from the East Coast to Montana ranch life, Jane’s blend of grit and policy expertise informs a leadership style where students feel seen, supported, and known by name.
Together, we explore how FVCC fuels the Flathead Valley’s economy and culture—linking adult education, transfer programs, and industry-aligned training in fields like healthcare and manufacturing. Jane spotlights the Wachholz College Center, a world-class venue that hosts authors, climbers, and musicians, and introduces FVCC’s new Entrepreneurship Center—a collaborative hub for founders, mentors, and innovators. The thread through it all: authentic relationships and data-driven agility that keep both the college and community growing stronger together.
Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:
Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.
Chapters
1. Building Community Through Education (00:00:00)
2. Jane’s Path to Montana (00:01:20)
3. What shaped Jane's philosophy (00:05:46)
4. Fostering an open environment (00:07:10)
5. How does FVCC meet the needs of the community (00:08:18)
6. Challenges in bringing opportunities to the community (00:12:57)
7. New Entrepreneurship Center Launch (00:14:19)
8. How has Jane's vision evolved over the years (00:16:31)
9. Staying engaged and recharging (00:18:14)
10. Life Outside Work: Trails, Horses, Water (00:20:42)
11. What does a strong future look like? (00:21:31)
12. Flathead Five: Gems, Traditions, Lessons (00:23:46)
6 episodes