Whatcom Community College President

The Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees is seeking an experienced, dynamic, visionary, and innovative leader to succeed Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, who will be retiring in March 2025 after 17 years of profound contribution to the College.

About the College

Whatcom Community College (WCC) is a public community college established in 1967 and accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.   WCC is dedicated to supporting a student body, meeting the diverse needs of our community, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and community involvement.

WCC is a demonstrated leader and host institution for the National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE) and CAE Candidates National Center (CCNC), the Washington State Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and maintains its own Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security Programs of Study.   In addition, WCC was named the site of the Area Health Education Center for Western Washington (AHECWW); one of two centers in the State of Washington.

WCC offers three Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Applied Business Management, IT Network-Cybersecurity, and Social Work as well as 34 transfer degrees, 75 certificates, career preparation, online and hybrid courses, and community education classes.

WCC provides extensive student support services, including academic advising and tutoring, TRIO, disability services, mental health networks, and veteran services.   WCC’s athletic programs are part of NWAC, offering students opportunities to participate in intercollegiate sports.    WCC strives to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive educational environment that embraces students from all backgrounds, whether they are following a traditional academic path or returning to education later in life.  In response to the changing needs of its communities, WCC consistently enhances its range of programs to support students in transitioning to four-year institutions and successful careers.

WCC’s 72-acre campus is located in Bellingham, a coastal city in Washington State, between Seattle and Vancouver. This land has long been the traditional home of the Lummi and Nooksack tribes, who have cared for it since time immemorial and maintain a profound connection to it. The College remains committed to honoring and respecting the enduring presence and contributions of the Lummi, Nooksack, and other Indigenous communities in the region.

Whatcom Community College Presidential Search Profile

Role of the President

Appointed by the WCC Board of Trustees, the President serves as the College’s chief executive officer responsible for overseeing the College’s administration and operations and implementing policies and procedures adopted by the Board. The President, with their strong senior leadership team, will create and lead an environment of inclusion, continuous learning, and successful management by implementing the college’s strategic plan that advances its overall mission, goals, and values.    

The President will foster collaborative and effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, business and community partners, legislative leaders, and other campus stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be a student-focused, transparent, and visionary leader who is committed to building trust with the following attributes, abilities, experience, and skills:

Leadership

• Vision and leadership in a senior administrative role in public education, and in building collaborative relationships with all constituencies to foster a cooperative campus culture.
• Building, supporting, and holding accountable a talented, committed, and diverse leadership team that capably implements the institution’s strategic priorities. 
• An understanding of trends impacting higher education and the ability to utilize the institution’s strengths and identify future opportunities in a dynamic landscape. 
• Experience working with unions and collective bargaining.

Academic Excellence and Enrollment

• Enrollment management:  Access and align college operations to implement best practices and foster innovation to increase enrollment, program offerings, and services to support student success, specifically focusing on closing student achievement gaps.
• Proven success in academic matters including accreditation, centers of academic excellence, and student achievement.
• Knowledge of the role of technology in higher education, and its impact to enhance learning and operations.
• A commitment to enhancing the student learning environment and student success in and out of the classroom.

Community Engagement

• A leadership style that prioritizes visibility, approachability, meaningful engagement, and listening with students, employees, civic and cultural groups, and community organizations.
• A record of developing partnerships with business and industry, other educational institutions, community organizations, and tribal nations.

Resource Development

• Demonstrated success in fundraising.
• A proven record of sound fiscal management.

Mission-Driven Advocate

• A commitment to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible campus.
• Experience in advocating with local, state, and federal elected officials for increased and sustained funding.
• A keen understanding of how to work effectively within a state community and technical college system.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent.
• Four or more years of senior-level leadership experience demonstrating a commitment to collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned Doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Community and/or technical college experience.
• Classroom experience.

WCC Presidential Search Profile (printable pdf)

Presidential Search Advisory Committee

The Board of Trustees hired Gold Hill Associates as the presidential search consultant and appointed Rafeeka Kloke, Executive Director for the Office of the President, as search liaison.

How to Apply

This is a confidential search process. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than September 13, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply please submit the following documents to presidentialsearch@whatcom.edu

1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that describes how the candidate’s experience and professional qualifications prepare them to serve as the President of Whatcom Community College.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. Five professional references.

For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries please contact Gold Hill Associates:

• Preston Pulliams, Search Consultant - preston@goldhillassociates.com, 503.704.3425
• Walt Nolte, Search Consultant – Walter@goldhillassociates.com, 307.262.2576

Whatcom Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. WCC provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, or honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). As of October 1st, 2020 as per RCW 28B.112.080 WCC will be requiring all finalists for positions to complete a Declaration Regarding Sexual Misconduct. WCC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400. For Title IX compliance, contact: Title IX Coordinator, 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360.383.3400.  WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access and Disability Services Office at 360.383.3080; VP 360.255.7182. Whatcom Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment.