Recognizing Dr. Katherine “Kat” Hitchcock for a Job Very Well Done

Beginning in fall 2021, Dr. Katherine “Kat” Hitchcock, Loudoun Campus’ academic dean of the LASS Division, stepped away from NOVA for a time. Last week, Dean Hitchcock made the decision to leave her position at the college to focus on her health. Her colleagues at the Loudoun Campus, on the Academic Dean Council and in many other parts of the college will greatly miss her. 

Kat first started at NOVA in 2012 as coordinator for excellence in online instruction for what is now NOVA Online, leaving several years later to serve in positions at George Mason University and Northeastern University and returning to NOVA in 2016 as Loudoun’s academic dean for LASS. She came into a division that was experiencing low morale due to rapid turnover in leadership. Due to her strong skill set, supportive attitude and deft touch with people, she was able to improve morale very quickly. Some of the LASS faculty describe her as a ray of sunshine. She went on to lead steady enrollment growth as well as several innovative programs to promote student retention and success. 

Kat’s exemplary work has made her a highly respected colleague across our college. She quickly developed a reputation for getting everything done well and on time. She is the consummate team player and analytical problem solver. Her strong support for faculty, staff and students shines through in her everyday actions. Among Kat’s achievements were mentoring three outstanding associate deans for her division and leading numerous impactful collegewide projects. 

Please join the Loudoun Campus in thanking Kat for leaving a positive mark on NOVA and in wishing her the very best for the future. 

Submitted by:
Dr. Julie Leidig, LO-Provost, JLeidig@nvcc.edu