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.

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.

Notice of Non-discrimination:

Whatcom Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, ancestry, ethnicity, family status, immigration status, citizenship, socioeconomic status, genetic information or age in its programs and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Executive Director for Human Resources, by phone: 360.383.3400 or email: hr@whatcom.edu , 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.

For Title IX compliance: Title IX Coordinator, by phone: 360.383.3400 or email: titleIX@whatcom.edu , 237 W. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.

WCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access & Disability Services office by phone: 360.383.3139, email: ADS@whatcom.edu, or Washington Relay: 711

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