10 things you didn't know about Kathleen Hetherington, Howard Community College president

Kathleen “Kate” C. Hetherington just embarked on her 10th year as the fourth president of Howard Community College in Columbia. The Philadelphia native has been honored for her leadership by the Association of Community College Trustees, among other organizations, but she still finds time to pursue her hobbies and passions.

She recently shared some interesting facts about herself, such as her appreciation for jazz and devotion to an iconic quiz show.

1. The Community College of Philadelphia played a big role in her life.

A Spanish 101 professor at the college paired Hetherington, then Kathleen Carey, with a student named John so they could share a textbook. They soon became a couple, and will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in November. Hetherington eventually returned to the school as a staff member and spent 22 years there before leaving in 1999 to become vice president of student services at HCC.