KETCHUM: Good for NIC, citizens

President Obama recently underscored community colleges as critical to our future economic success. It seems that all facets of our society are at a crossroads during this time of extreme challenge. Our local community college is not exempt. We have an opportunity to elect a highly qualified individual to serve on the North Idaho College Board of Trustees.

I worked closely with Dr. Robert Ketchum at North Idaho College for 18 years and know him to be a man of great personal integrity. He offers a unique blend of personal experience and professional training with an earned doctorate in vocational-technical education.

Having taught at the college level, he is an articulate spokesman for NIC's programs, academic as well as vocational-technical. He has supervised hundreds of full time and part time employees during his tenure as a college administrator. Robert is qualified to link the college more closely to our communities due to his working relationships with Jobs Plus, KTEC and local chambers of commerce. He helped lead the Northern Idaho Center for Higher Education and has worked closely with officials from NIC, LCSC and the University of Idaho to coordinate many programs and services. Robert has assisted the development of international relationships with colleges and industry in countries as diverse as China, Japan and South Korea. He knows and understands all facets of education and can see "the big picture."

Robert's election to the Board of Trustees will enhance the college and greatly benefit the region. He will have my vote and, I hope, yours.

KATHRYN HUNT

Hayden