Area Report for Board of Trustees

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and leadership of women throughout history and in our communities today. This observance invites us to reflect on the progress that has been made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and renew our commitment to advancing equity, opportunity, and inclusion.

As we honor this month, I am reminded of the words of Malala Yousafzai, who said, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” Her message underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to learn, lead, and contribute.

At Highline College, we are fortunate to be part of a community shaped every day by the talent, dedication, and leadership of women, including faculty, staff, students, and board members, and alumnae. Their contributions strengthen our classrooms, enrich our campus, and advance our mission of expanding opportunity through education.

During Women’s History Month, I encourage our community to take time to recognize these contributions, learn from the stories and experiences of women who have helped shape our world, and recommit ourselves to fostering a college community where everyone can thrive. 

As we reflect on the importance of recognizing and uplifting the achievements of women throughout history, it is equally fitting to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments within our own community. In that spirit, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our newly tenured faculty. Achieving tenure is no small feat; it is the result of unwavering dedication, scholarly excellence, and an unwavering commitment to Highline’s mission. The impact of your hard work reaches far beyond the classroom, enriching the lives of our students and strengthening the fabric of our community. Your accomplishments are well-deserved. The college community is immensely grateful for your continued service and leadership. Thank you!

Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve

• I attended the South Sound Community and Technical College Legislative Reception, which was held on February 23rd in Olympia, WA. The event was hosted by Highline College, Green River College, and Renton Technical College. Trustees, college presidents, board members, and administrators from each college discussed issues related to the 2026 Legislative Session, highlighted individual and collective college concerns, and outlined strategies to best support higher education, especially community and technical colleges, in the State of Washington. Representative Steve Bergquist (Legislative District 11) and Representative Janice Zahn (Legislative District 41) stopped by briefly. 
• The Highline College Foundation Board met on February 25th. I attended and provided updates on college enrollment, strategic planning, and role/responsibility of the interim president. 
• Dr. Penn met with the Labor Management Communications Committee (LMCC) for classified staff. The goal of the meeting was to promote dialogue between labor and the newly appointed interim president. Labor’s Shop Stewards provided their perspectives and contexts about how local agreements provide better support for Highline College’s employees, operations, and student success. Dr. Penn will review the materials from the meeting, as she moves toward making a decision classified bargaining in the future. 
• Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) Leadership meet February 26-27 in Olympia, WA. Dr. Penn attended the entire session. State Representative Mari Leavitt (Legislative District 28) joined WACTC for approximately 30 minutes to discuss issues hat directly impact community and technical colleges and to provide insight about how some legislative budget proposals that harm not support community and technical colleges were developed. Representative Leavitt was candid in explaining that the state faces significant financial constraints, and many sectors—including higher education—will have and will continue to experience funding impacts.

Report submitted by Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn