Neosho County Community College has named Kristin Chase as its new Director of Communications and Assistant Athletic Director, marking a significant career milestone for the Chanute native and longtime advocate for student programs, athletics, and the performing arts.
Chase steps into the role after serving the college in multiple capacities since joining NCCC in June 2025. Most recently, she led the Spirit Squad program as Head Cheer and Dance Coach while also supporting institutional marketing and communications efforts. Her transition into athletic administration and communications leadership reflects both her rapid professional growth and her broad impact across campus initiatives.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Neosho County Community College in this new capacity,” Chase said. “This institution and this community are home to me. Being able to grow professionally while giving back to the place that helped shape me is truly meaningful.”
A Chanute native, Chase brings a diverse background in dance, performance, leadership, business management, and program development. She began her dance training at an early age and built a lifelong foundation in the performing arts, later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a concentration in Dance from Kansas State University. Her experience includes choreography, instruction, and performance across multiple styles, along with extensive involvement in campus and community arts initiatives.
Before returning to Kansas, Chase built significant leadership experience in the private sector, rising to District Manager with Salt Life and overseeing multi-location retail operations across the United States. That role strengthened her skills in team leadership, branding, operations, and strategic growth — experience she now brings into collegiate athletics and communications.
Since arriving at NCCC, Chase has played a key role in strengthening program visibility, expanding outreach efforts, enhancing social media and promotional strategy, and supporting student-centered initiatives across athletics and campus life. Her work has included marketing campaigns, event promotion, program storytelling, recruiting support materials, and cross-department collaboration.
Her new role will include oversight and coordination of institutional and athletic communications, brand alignment, promotional strategy, and media relations, while continuing to support athletic department operations and student-athlete visibility.
Chase will also continue teaching dance at Bloom Dance Academy, where she works with youth in the Chanute community. She says remaining active in dance education is an important part of her purpose and personal fulfillment. “Teaching at the studio brings me joy and allows me to continue enriching the lives of young people through movement, discipline, and creativity,” Chase said. “That connection to the arts and to our local youth is something I will always value.”
Chase expressed deep appreciation to campus leadership for their confidence and support.
Dr. Brian Inbody commented on Chase’s growing impact on the college’s communications efforts. “Kristin has already brought her creativity to NCCC in greatly advancing our social media presence which has already resulted in thousands and in one case millions of views of NCCC short videos. I know she will do an excellent job to all aspects of communicating the great things the college does to advance its mission.”
Dr. Riann Mullis, Athletic Director, shared her support for Chase’s new role. “Kristin continues to be an important addition to the athletic department and NCCC. We are excited to watch her excel in this role, continuing to take our department to the next level!”
“I want to sincerely thank Dr. Inbody and Dr. Mullis for believing in me and trusting me with this opportunity,” Chase said. “Dr. Mullis gave me the chance to lead and grow as a coach, and Dr. Inbody’s support in moving me into communications and athletic administration has opened the door to the next chapter of my career. I am thankful for their mentorship and leadership.”
While stepping away from her Head Cheer and Dance Coach position, Chase shared her continued support for the Spirit Squad program and its new leadership, noting pride in the foundation built and excitement for its future.
Chase plans to continue expanding her professional development and is preparing to begin graduate studies in Coaching and Athletic Administration, further strengthening her long-term commitment to collegiate athletics leadership.
“I’ve pushed beyond my comfort zone many times to get here,” Chase said. “Each step — from the arts, to business leadership, to coaching, to communications — has stretched me and prepared me. I’m excited to keep learning, keep building, and keep serving our students and our college.”
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