Becky Paneitz, who has served as president of NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) since 2003, announced her plans to retire in June 2013. For nearly a decade, Paneitz has led the college during a time of tremendous growth, helping make it one of the largest and fastest growing community colleges in the state. Enrollment at the time she became president was 4,915; today it is at 8,528. Paneitz began her career in higher education at Pueblo Community College (Colorado) in 1985 as a part-time criminal justice instructor and then served as department chair. Later, she served as dean of technology and trades before serving as dean of arts, business and communication. In 1999, Paneitz joined Central Piedmont Community College (North Carolina) as vice president for instruction until she was named CEO at NWACC.