Salem, OR. — Chemeketa Community College Board of Education member Ken Hector has been honored with the 2025 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award, the highest national recognition given by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). The award celebrates exceptional leadership and service among community college trustees across the United States.
Selected from five regional honorees nationwide, Hector received the award during the ACCT Leadership Congress held last week in New Orleans, Louisiana. The recognition highlights his distinguished record of advocacy, innovation, and commitment to expanding access to higher education.
Hector has served on Chemeketa’s Board of Education for 12 years, including multiple terms as Chair and Vice Chair. During his tenure, he played a key role in securing the successful passage of the college’s $140 million bond measure and advancing statewide initiatives to expand applied baccalaureate degrees, strengthen workforce development, and modernize infrastructure.
Before joining Chemeketa’s board, Hector spent 16 years as Mayor of Silverton and has devoted decades to civic leadership and community development. He also serves as chair of the Legislative Committee for the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), where he continues to advocate for Oregon’s 17 community colleges.
The ACCT Awards program recognizes individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to their colleges and communities. As the 2025 M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award recipient, Hector exemplifies the highest standard of dedication and service to community college governance.
Chemeketa Community College, along with the OCCA and the national ACCT community, extended congratulations to Hector for his “remarkable and well-deserved honor.”
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