WATC stronger for Kinkel’s leadership

Tony Kinkel turned out to be the right leader for the Wichita Area Technical College and its National Center for Aviation Training during a tremendously challenging 4 1/2 years, which makes his resignation for a job in Tennessee regrettable not just for WATC but for Wichita and its economic future. Under Kinkel’s enthusiastic and dynamic leadership, WATC used Gov. Sam Brownback’s statewide technical education initiative to grow its enrollment dramatically and, more important, put many area high school students on a path toward well-paying employment. Kinkel has furthered NCAT’s national reputation, while working to sustain the Air Capital’s skilled workforce. Most recently, Kinkel helped launch the “Shocker Pathway” partnership between WATC and Wichita State University creating a streamlined, affordable joint associate of art degree. WATC is stronger for Kinkel’s leadership. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 7:05 PM.