President of Whatcom Community College Announces Retirement.
April 30, 2024
Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown formally announced her plans to retire as president of Whatcom Community College (WCC) during a Board of Trustees special meeting on March 22, 2024.
“I have had the privilege of contributing to many accomplishments and milestones that have made Whatcom a preeminent community college. Together, we have celebrated successes, navigated through challenges, and collaborated to shape the future of the College,” said Dr. Hiyane-Brown.
Dr. Hiyane-Brown shared her appreciation for the unwavering support of the Board of Trustees (past and present), the commitment to excellence of faculty and the dedication of the staff to fulfill the College’s mission, and the determination of students in their educational pursuits.
“Whatcom Community College has thrived under Kathi’s leadership,” WCC Board of Trustees chair Teresa Taylor said. “Kathi’s visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and passion for student success have moved the college forward in many ways. She has led with integrity and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on our campus and community.”
Whatcom Community College, located in Bellingham, experienced significant growth during her 17-year tenure.
Under Dr. Hiyane-Brown’s leadership:
Dr. Hiyane-Brown will continue in her role through March 1, 2025. Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees will establish a timeline and process for recruitment and appointment of the next president.
About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, business studies, offers three bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, and future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.
“I have had the privilege of contributing to many accomplishments and milestones that have made Whatcom a preeminent community college. Together, we have celebrated successes, navigated through challenges, and collaborated to shape the future of the College,” said Dr. Hiyane-Brown.
Dr. Hiyane-Brown shared her appreciation for the unwavering support of the Board of Trustees (past and present), the commitment to excellence of faculty and the dedication of the staff to fulfill the College’s mission, and the determination of students in their educational pursuits.
“Whatcom Community College has thrived under Kathi’s leadership,” WCC Board of Trustees chair Teresa Taylor said. “Kathi’s visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and passion for student success have moved the college forward in many ways. She has led with integrity and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on our campus and community.”
Whatcom Community College, located in Bellingham, experienced significant growth during her 17-year tenure.
Under Dr. Hiyane-Brown’s leadership:
- Whatcom expanded and developed certificates, associates, and applied baccalaureate programs to meet workforce demands in such areas as engineering, health professions, in particular nursing, business management, cybersecurity, and most recently social work.
- Whatcom was named the National Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity Education and Training. It received recognition and support from the White House, the National Security Agency, and other government agencies, business and industry, from technology giants such as Microsoft to regional companies like Anvil. Further, the Washington state legislature and the WA State Board of Technical and Community Colleges designated the college as the WA State Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity. These recognitions are evidence of best practices and excellence in the cyber education arena.
- Whatcom grew its physical campus with facilities to support nursing and allied health programs, student housing and recreational facilities, an intercultural center, and a learning commons with physical spaces and technology to support individual, small group, and classroom learning.
- Whatcom’s most recent seven-year comprehensive accreditation visit, in 2019, resulted in several commendations and no recommendations, a rare occurrence in higher education accreditation reviews.
- Whatcom expanded and enhanced partnerships and greater community connections that have demonstrated the college’s commitment to being part of the community with programs such as the Writers Workshop, Community Transitions project with Bellingham School District, the home of AHEC—one of two health education centers in WA state, joint student activities with Northwest Indian College, Bellingham Technical College, and Western Washington, and strong (and growing stronger) support from the Whatcom Community College Foundation for student scholarships and support of college initiatives.
Dr. Hiyane-Brown will continue in her role through March 1, 2025. Whatcom Community College Board of Trustees will establish a timeline and process for recruitment and appointment of the next president.
About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare, business studies, offers three bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, and future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.
