Area Report for Board of Trustees

Throughout November, members of the IA division have continued work that we have been reporting on in Fall Quarter, including the post-launch work on the top-level website, representing the college at a litany of community events, working with colleagues across campus on grant submissions and project implementations, and preparing for student funding support from Foundation for Winter Quarter. In addition, the Foundation team continues to follow up on the successful Thunderbirds Soar Event, and spent a dedicated day on 11/8 in a strategic retreat with Foundation Board members.

Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce Barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members

• Grants team received news that SBCTC has funded Legal Studies Career Launch grant, $64,000 multi-year grant to increase enrollment of underrepresented students by 8 FTE and support paid internships
• The Grants Dept. submitted a National Science Foundation grant written by Rus Higley, “Charting New Waters Initiative”, which places students that identify as STEM interested in a multi-tiered research program focused on plankton in the Puget Sound. To make this program accessible, students will receive a stipend and additional financial support for childcare, transportation, and other needs. If awarded, MaST will share the 3 year, $472,791 grant with UWT.
• After successful launch of top-level website, work continues on fixing and improving associated sites, features and functions so students have access to key information.

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

• IA members represented Highline College and/or supported college representation at the following events and programs:
  • Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce/Success Foundation Annual Gala 11/8
  • Soroptimist of Seattle Southside Fall Fundraiser on 11/9
  • Para Los Ninos Annual Gala on 11/16 (Linda Faaren organized group from Academic Affairs)
  • Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Gala on 11/16 (Drs. Jennifer Jones and James Peyton joined IA staff)
  • Pete Von Reichbauer Good Eggs Breakfast on 11/20
  • Redondo Community Association welcome for Des Moines City Manager 11/22
  • Highline Forum at Seatac City Hall, 11/22

Division Honors and Achievements

• Thanks to the Communications and Marketing Team for their key support for college wide communications and updates during the inclement weather day on Wednesday, 11/20.

Report submitted by Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joshua Gerstman