President
Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee
Rich Barnhouse has led Waukesha County Technical College since 2021. The college reports enrollment of over 17,000 students and employs more than 1,500 staff and faculty. Under Barnhouse’s leadership, WCTC has expanded its offerings related to artificial intelligence, adding an applied AI lab to the campus and launching an AI Data Specialist associate degree program, the first two-year AI degree to be offered in Wisconsin. Before coming to WCTC, Barnhouse was vice president of student services and enrollment management at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. He also previously held various in-state roles, including associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Wisconsin Colleges, dean of students at Moraine Park Technical College from 2007 to 2011, and assistant campus dean for administrative services at UW-Sheboygan from 2004 to 2007.
Education: Bachelor’s, Brock University; master’s, Central Michigan University; Ph.D., Cardinal Stritch University
What would you do if you could choose another career: “In another life, I’d like to be an economist.”
Buzzword you never want to hear again: “Best practice.”
The future of your industry: “The future is very exciting for WCTC – more programs and enrollment growth.”
Traits you seek for new hires: “Attitude and work ethic. Period.”
