February 21, 2024
Page 9
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024
Committed to Student Success
and Expanding Program Offerings
Achievements,
Challenges
and Strategic
Initiatives
Clark College President Dr.
Karin Edwards delivered the
annual State of the College ad-
dress on February 14 in Gaiser
Student Center. Emma Sturm,
president of the Associat-
ed Students of Clark College
(ASCC) kicked off the event
and gave a report on increased
student participation in college
clubs, and ASCC’s efforts to
increase student engagement
in on campus activities.
Student and veteran Ray
Jackson also shared his expe-
rience of navigating college
studies and parenthood with
the help of several Clark
College student support ser-
vices, including the Veter-
ans Center of Excellence,
Disability Support Services,
Advising Services, and Child
and Family services.
During her speech, Presi-
dent Edwards announced that
the college’s equity-centered
strategic plan was approved by
the college’s board of trustees
last fall and provides a frame-
work for all the college does.
The new strategic plan is cen-
tered on students—to educate,
empower, and elevate them to
achieve their personal and pro-
fessional goals. It also under-
scores a commitment to stu-
dent success, empowerment,
and equity.
President Edwards with Trustees Suzanne Donaldson, Marilee Scarbrough, Jeanne Bennett, Denise
Gideon and Cristhian Canseco Juarez
Community
partnerships
and philanthropy are essential
for supporting student and col-
lege needs. President Edwards
expressed gratitude for the on-
going support of Clark College
Foundation and the communi-
ty. Notably, a $1 million gift
from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe
will launch the Clark College
Innovation Fund that will ad-
dress pressing needs and drive
innovation. This year alone,
the foundation has awarded
$2 million that directly assists
more than 550 students.
In addition, Clark has dis-
bursed $24.5 million in finan-
cial aid from other funding
sources, including state and
federal grants and loans as well
as community scholarships.
Enrollment has increased by
more than 10% this academic
year compared to the 2022-23
academic year. Approximately
8,683 students enrolled during
the fall and winter terms.
New programs, degrees, and
expansion of academic offer-
ings are driven by community
needs and workforce demands.
The college is seeking to add
a Civil Engineering Technolo-
gy and Construction Manage-
ment program, Food Service
Operations certificate and
Civil Engineering Technology
and Construction Management
program, and a Bachelor of
Science in Computer Science
degree that was recently ap-
proved on February 1.
The programs under devel-
opment include Clean Energy
Technician program that will
expand the college’s existing
Mechatronic Technology and
Automotive Technology pro-
grams to meet high-demand
jobs and Surgical Technician
program will be the first in
Southwest Washington. Pending
final approval in May, graduates
of the two-year program will
earn an Associate of Applied
Technology (AAT) degree in
Surgical Technology.
Diversity, equity and in-
clusion initiatives remain top
priorities at Clark College.
Achievements include increased
diversity in hiring and ongoing
professional development ini-
tiatives. In addition, the college
organizes The Northwest Re-
gional Equity Conference, now
in its fifth year.
Looking ahead, reflecting
on the college's achievements,
President Edwards expressed
gratitude for the collabora-
tive efforts of faculty, staff,
and the community. As Clark
College looks toward the fu-
ture, she said it remains com-
mitted to student success, ex-
panding program offerings,
and strengthening community
partnerships. Clark College
continues to be a beacon of
opportunity and excellence in
the region.