Area Report for Board of Trustees

Fall Quarter 2026 began on September 28, 2026, following a successful Opening Week held during the week of September 21, 2026. Opening Week provided an important opportunity for faculty and staff to reconnect, prepare for the academic year, and align around the College’s priorities and goals. Overall, the quarter has gotten off to a solid start, with employees demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and operational readiness.

The first day of Opening Week focused on community building and employee recognition. Faculty and staff gathered to reconnect with colleagues from across the institution, reinforcing our culture of collaboration and shared purpose. During the day’s activities, Dr. Melanie Lawson and her team recognized employees for their years of dedicated service to the College, celebrating the contributions of those who have made a lasting impact on our students, programs, and communities.

The second day of Opening Week centered on the College’s annual priorities: Student Retention, Student Funding, Student Completion, and Infrastructure & Safety. During a campus-wide session, I shared opening remarks emphasizing the importance of these priorities and the role each employee plays in advancing our mission. Members of the Strategic Planning Council (SPC) then provided updates on specific aspects of the work, helping faculty and staff better understand the objectives, strategies, and outcomes associated with each priority area.

To conclude the day, the Executive Cabinet hosted an ice cream social for faculty and staff. The event was well attended and provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect in an informal setting while celebrating the start of a new academic year. The gathering was enjoyed by all and contributed to the positive energy that characterized the week.

Throughout the remainder of Opening Week, divisions and departments conducted planning sessions, trainings, and meetings designed to ensure a smooth start to the quarter and prepare employees for the return of students. These activities focused on operational readiness, student support strategies, and departmental goals for the year ahead.

As Fall Quarter progresses, enrollment data is currently trending slightly lower than anticipated but remains stable overall. While enrollment continues to be an area of focus, the College has experienced a smooth opening to the quarter, and faculty and staff are actively engaged in supporting students and advancing institutional priorities.

Overall, Opening Week was a tremendous success and established a strong foundation for Fall Quarter 2026. The enthusiasm, engagement, and collaboration demonstrated by faculty and staff reflect a shared commitment to serving students and strengthening the College’s future.

Thank you for your continued support of the college community. 

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

• Attended the Board meeting for the Federal Way Chamber. The Board is hosting a Gala in November, and I am part of the planning committee. 
• Met with Dr. Concie Pedroza, Superintendent of Tukwila School District to discuss the ongoing success of Tukwila Promise. She has invited Tony Garcia, VP of Student Services and Dr. Penn to attend the November Tukwila City Council meeting to talk with the Council about future funding support and planning of future Tukwila Promise cohort
• Met with Dr. Mishel Corea, Executive Director of Central Washington University (CWU), Highline Campus. We discussed future collaboration/partnerships between Highline and CWU. The discussion included updating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), articulation agreements from additional 2-year programs at Highline to both BA and MA programs at CWU, and facility maintenance discussion between both colleges. 

Report submitted by Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn