Dr. Jane A. Karas became the 11th president of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) in Kalispell, Montana, on July 1, 2001. Dr. Karas began her service at FVCC as the vice president/dean of instruction and student services beginning July 1999. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in social policy from the Heller School at Brandeis University. Dr. Karas has published numerous articles and has given presentations on education policy, economic development and workforce training.
Dr. Karas serves on the Board of Directors of the Logan Health System and the Board of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. She has served as chair of the Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) Board of Directors, Chair of the Board of Directors for North Valley Hospital. President of Kalispell Daybreak Rotary. In addition, Dr. Karas has served as chair of the National Campus Compact Board Executive Committee and as a past board member of Northwest Healthcare.
Dr. Karas served as chair of the Board for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) from 2013-2014. She was honored with the 2009 and 2016 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Chief Executive Officer Award for the Mountain Region and was the recipient of the 2003 Montana Ambassadors Educator of the Year Award. In addition, Dr. Karas received the 2016 Association of Community College Trustees, Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award. In 2022, Dr. Karas was honored by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce with “The Chamber Legacy Award.”