Kimberly M. Hurns

2021-22 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow
Dr. Kimberly M. Hurns is the executive vice president of instruction and academic affairs at Washtenaw Community College. She has served in higher education for more than 20 years, starting has a part-time faculty member. She has served as full-time faculty, dean and vice president. Dr. Hurns’ business experience underpins an entrepreneurial and strategic leader passionate about measurable student success.

Dr. Hurns’ operational acumen has transformed delivery, support and educational processes to better serve diverse groups of students in an equitable and inclusive way. The college’s retention plan has led to an increase in student graduation, retention and transfer rates. Hurns also led the development and execution of a vibrant entrepreneurship center that has served as a strategic partner in the county’s workforce development.

Hurns is the immediate-past state chair of Michigan-ACE Women’s network; an affiliate of the American Council of Education. She is a member of the state’s Transfer Steering Committee. In 2019, Hurns was recognized as a notable woman in Educational Leadership by Crain’s Detroit Business.