(KNZA)--Eric Ketchum has been selected as the vice president of academic affairs at Highland Community College.

Previously, Ketchum served as the interim vice president of academic affairs at HCC, where he has been a dedicated educator for over 11-years, teaching Psychology courses.

Prior to his career in higher education, Ketchum spent seven-years as a licensed school psychologist across Kansas, where he applied his expertise to support students’ mental health and educational needs.

He holds bachelor degrees in both psychology and sociology from Kansas State University, as well as a master- and education specialist degree in school psychology from Emporia State University.

The college said in a release that Ketchum's extensive background in psychology combined with his teaching experience in the classroom, positions him as a leader in the success and growth of the academic community at HCC.