Area Report for Board of Trustees

As we begin the 2026-27 academic year, it has been energizing to welcome faculty, staff, and students back to campus. The return of our campus community brings renewed excitement, purpose, and momentum as we continue advancing our mission of student success and institutional excellence.

Executive Cabinet recently completed a productive retreat focused on strategic planning and aligning our work around the College’s key priorities for 2026-27. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, we reaffirmed our commitment to the following strategic priorities:

• Student Retention
• Student Funding
• Student Completion
• Infrastructure and Safety

The retreat provided an important opportunity to strengthen our shared vision, establish clear objectives, and ensure alignment across the institution as we move into the year ahead.

While much of our focus has been on planning and preparation, we also embraced opportunities to build community and celebrate together. After engaging our minds with this deep work during the retreat, Executive Cabinet also found time to have some fun. We participated on the Great Big Game Show, at Tukwila Mall. This event brought laughter, camaraderie, and a welcome opportunity to connect before the start of the quarter.

With our students returning, our teams energized, and our priorities clearly aligned, we are ready to begin the new academic year with confidence and purpose. The year ahead presents meaningful opportunities to advance student success, deepen community partnerships, and strengthen Highline’s impact across South King County and beyond. I am grateful for the Board’s leadership and partnership as we work together to achieve our shared goals and shape a strong and sustainable future for the college and the communities we serve.

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

• Had a conversation with Stephanie Fain, Kind County Councilmember-Focus on how the Councilmember can support Highline College and the SBCTC system, especially during the upcoming legislative session. Also, discussed Highline’s opposition to a Crisis Care Center being situated on the Des Moines-Kent boarder, close to the college.
• Attended the Highline College Foundation (HCF)’s retreat
• Participated in Great Federal Way Board Retreat
• Attended the Meet the Candidates: Deputy Executive Director for Business Operations search for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
• Welcomed Washington Advancement & Foundation Leaders (WAFL) to Highline College, where the annual retreat was held this year

Report submitted by Interim President, Dr. Jamilyn Penn