Area Report for Board of Trustees
Dear Members of the Board,
I am honored to share my first report with you as Interim President of Highline College. Thank you for welcoming me into this role.
I want to remind you that I have been sharing weekly email Board Bulletins. In these updates, I briefly outline my core internal and external work in support of Highline College and higher education. If you have any related questions, please let me know.
From January through March 2026, I will participate, alongside fellow Chancellors and Presidents from the community and technical college sector, in the 60-day legislative session. Throughout this period, we will benefit from the support and guidance of the SBCTC staff. I will collaborate closely with Josh Gerstman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and Shakira Ericksen, Government Relations. Their extensive expertise in government relations will be invaluable as I engage with both regional and statewide legislators. This work is critical to securing the funding necessary to support our students, strengthen our workforce, and maintain our college’s physical infrastructure.
As we undertake these important advocacy efforts, it is essential to recognize the broader context in which our work is unfolding. We are living through a challenging time, not just here at Highline, but in our wider world—locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. There is a lot happening, and many people are feeling uncertain. Highline College is here to offer hope and support to our very diverse student population.
Our staff and faculty are working hard every day to help our students succeed. They provide excellent instruction, strong services, and caring support. This work truly matters. It makes a difference in students’ lives. Helping others is at the heart of our mission and values at Highline College.
As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I am reminded not only of his call to service but also of his wisdom about the purpose of education. In his essay, “The Purpose of Education,” Dr. King said,
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.”
Dr. King emphasized that true education combines intellectual growth with moral development. By fostering both independent thinking and strong character, education becomes a powerful tool for building a just and ethical society.
This holistic approach to learning is reflected in our mission at Highline College, where we strive to help our students grow academically and personally. In doing so, we prepare them to meet challenges with both skill and integrity, ensuring that they are equipped not only for professional success but also for responsible citizenship.
Thank you for your ongoing service and support of our students, faculty, and staff. Your dedication helps make Highline College a place where all people are welcome and where students can learn and grow in an environment that fosters both personal and academic success.
Report submitted by Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn, Ed.D.