The National Collegiate Honors Council, an association serving the collegiate honors education community since 1966, has announced the selection of Mary Beth Rathe as its new executive director. Rathe will fill the vacancy created by Dr. Hallie Savage’s retirement in October 2016. The selection was made after a national search and selection process. Rathe previously served as Deputy Executive Director for the organization.

“It is my pleasure to announce this appointment,” reported Dr. Art Spisak, NCHC President and Honors Director at the University of Iowa. “Mary Beth’s own vision for the NCHC fits well with our current strategic priorities of research, advocacy, and professional development in honors education. She will help us to raise NCHC to its next phase of organizational growth. From my own experience in working directly with Mary Beth, you will not find a more dedicated and selfless person. Her level of commitment to our organization is incredible.”

Rathe’s resume includes executive planning, administration, board governance, and communications in the nonprofit sector, as well as teaching experience and staff management proficiency. Rathe served as executive director for the Community Action Network of Nebraska for over 11 years, and has been on staff with the NCHC since January of 2015.

“NCHC is an organization that blends some of the best things for me: higher education, relationships, creative thinking, and new pathways. I’m excited to be part of the national office as NCHC continues to build on the ideals noted more than 51 years ago—and adds new components to address contemporary strategies. I encourage every member to reach out to our office to share his or her own needs and expectations as we energize a new chapter for the organization.”

The National Collegiate Honors Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to support and enhance the community of educational institutions, professionals, and students who participate in collegiate honors education around the world. Headquartered on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, the NCHC provides publications, faculty trainings, an annual professional conference, and networking opportunities to its members, as well as experiential travel programs and honors student scholarships.

CONTACTS:

Art Spisak, Ph.D.
President, National Collegiate Honors Council
Director, University of Iowa Honors Program
319-335-1681
art-spisak@uiowa.edu

Mary Beth Rathe
Executive Director, National Collegiate Honors Council
402-472-9150
mrathe2@unl.edu

###