NWACC’s Paneitz to Retire in 2013

NorthWest Arkansas Community College President Rebecca “Becky” Paneitz said Monday that she will retire in June 2013 after 10 years as the leader of the Bentonville school.

Paneitz announced her retirement in an email to the college’s donors and other supporters.

“The faculty and staff that I work alongside of, the students you serve, and the community we are a part of are among some of the brightest, most intelligent and hardworking people I’ve ever met,” she said in the email. “For that, I am thankful.

Paneitz noted the college has received $69 million in private funding, federal grants, and donations during her time as president. She said the funding has allowed infrastructure improvements including the college’s Shewmaker Center for Global Business Development, the Center for Health Professions, the Student Center, and the renovation and expansion of Burns Hall.

NWACC’s 2011 fall enrollment was 8,648, up from 8,365 in 2010. That also reflects a three-year increase of 6.7 percent.