Kathi H. Hiyane-Brown, Ed.D, (she/her) became the fourth president of Whatcom Community College in 2007. Dr. Hiyane-Brown leads this comprehensive community college that serves 11,000 annually, employs more than 400 employees, and operates with an annual state budget of approximately $20 million. During her tenure, she has built vital community partnerships, inspired innovation and excellence throughout the College, and encouraged a culture of inclusiveness.
Dr. Hiyane-Brown was the President of Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN, for four years prior to being appointed president at WCC. She also held administrative posts at Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA; Leeward Community College, Pearl City, HI; and Muscatine Community College, Muscatine, IA.
Born in Hawai‘i, Dr. Hiyane-Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Grinnell College; a Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology, University of Iowa; and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership, Oregon State University. Dr. Hiyane-Brown has been recognized as one of 2010’s Outstanding Women Educators by the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation and was the recipient of the 2002 Leadership Award from The Association. In recognition of her commitment to staff and program development, she received NCSPOD’s College President’s Award in 2012. She also received the 2014 CEO of the Year Award from Washington Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges.
