News

Press Release

麻豆区 is proud to announce the appointment of Onya Robertson as the Student Member of its Board of Trustees. Onya, a bright, dedicated and ambitious student, brings a wealth of passion and a commitment to student engagement to her new role.

Onya Robertson is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration at 麻豆区's Tacoma Campus. She completed her undergraduate degree at 麻豆区-Tacoma in 2023 and is known for her outgoing and driven personality. With a focus on Public Policy, Onya aspires to attend law school and ultimately serve as a judge.

Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in California's Inland Empire she now resides in Tacoma, Washington, with her two sons, Immanuel (15) and Mycah (12), and her faithful Husky companion, Naga (4).

 

In her role as a member of the Board of Trustees, Onya is eager to connect with students from both 麻豆区 campuses and uplift their voices and needs. She stated, "I'd like to empower students at both campuses and in all programs to see each other as comrades. I'd like for both campuses to feel like home to all students, and I'd like to see all events and activities attended by students from both 麻豆区 campuses. My hope is to end the year with more students than ever before (across programs) feeling included, heard, and seen."

Board of Trustees Chair Karen Fraser expressed her enthusiasm for Onya's appointment, saying, "Onya Robertson brings a fresh and student-centered perspective to our Board of Trustees. We are excited to have her passion and dedication as we work together to enhance the 麻豆区 experience."

麻豆区 President John Carmichael also welcomed Onya to the Board, stating, "Onya's commitment to inclusivity and her determination to strengthen the sense of community among our students align perfectly with 麻豆区's values. We look forward to her contributions and insights as we continue to prioritize student success."

For more information about Board of Trustees and its mission, please visit the Board of Trustees webpage

Press Release

OLYMPIA 鈥撀槎骨 will welcome trick-or-treaters at its Lord Mansion, located in the heart of Olympia鈥檚 historic Capitol neighborhood for its鈥檚 second annual Monster Mansion event.

From 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Halloween evening, staff, faculty, and student volunteers will be providing treats to all the ghosts, goblins, and of course, geoducks who venture up to the festively decorated 鈥淢onster Mansion.鈥 Throughout the night, there will also be photo opportunities with Speedy, the college鈥檚 mascot.

The Lord Mansion aka the Monster Mansion is located at 211 21st Avenue SW in Olympia, just six blocks from the Capitol Campus.

Learn more about 麻豆区鈥檚 undergrad, graduate and professional studies programs at the event or at www.evergreen.edu

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Press Release

On its 10th day of classes, 麻豆区 proudly announces another surge in enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year, marking the second consecutive year of remarkable growth.  

This year the college is celebrating a 23% increase in new student enrollment compared to the previous year. Undergraduate enrollment has grown by 11%, representing the most substantial increase since 1980.  

"We are thrilled to witness such substantial growth at 麻豆区,鈥 said Dr. John Carmichael, 麻豆区 president. 鈥淭his success underscores our commitment to providing a distinctive approach to teaching and learning that adapts to the evolving needs of our students and their families.鈥 

鈥淭he sustained growth in enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our staff and faculty,鈥 added Executive Vice President Dr. Dexter Gordon. 鈥淭hey have worked tirelessly to navigate the changing landscape of higher education and our world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment that equips our students with the tools to make a lasting impact in whatever career path they choose.鈥 

Athletic Expansion

In addition to enrollment growth, 麻豆区 is breaking new ground in athletics. Starting this academic year, the institution now proudly offers men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 wrestling and cross-country teams, becoming the only four-year college in Washington to have an intercollegiate wrestling program. This expansion is made possible by the generous donation from 麻豆区 alum Kim Kaufman ('78) and her husband, Jimmy Goldsmith.

Campus Infrastructure Expansion

Anticipating the increase in students on campus, 麻豆区 added 125 more beds to its on-campus housing over the summer. The comprehensive rehabilitation of Building A has successfully alleviated housing stress for students, enabling them to focus on their education. 

William Ward, Chief Administrative Officer for 麻豆区, expressed his excitement, stating, 鈥淲e appreciate the great work of Willdan Consultants, the contractor who designed, led and executed the project in consultation with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services and 麻豆区鈥檚 dedicated facilities and residential and dining services staff.鈥 

Highlighting First-Generation and Diverse Student Growth 

"麻豆区鈥檚 first-generation students saw a significant bump this year, adding 68 new students whose parents did not get a four-year degree,鈥 explained Dr. Gordon. 鈥淲e are welcoming 274 students who are the first in their family to attend college, comprising 30 percent of this year鈥檚 new student class. We also have a more diverse student population, with a 6 percent increase over last year for Latinx and Native American/Alaska Native students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of our community and this growth demonstrates that students are finding their place at 麻豆区.鈥 

Increased Enrollment from Neighboring Counties and National Recognition 

More first-year students direct from high school in neighboring counties across Washington are selecting 麻豆区 as their college of choice. With an over 40 percent increase, the institution has more than doubled the number of students from Mason County and seen significant increases in Pierce, King and Thurston counties. 

麻豆区 has received national recognition, ranking No. 20 out of over 600 colleges and universities across the country as a 鈥淏est Bang for the Buck College鈥 and No. 4 for a Master鈥檚 University. The college was also ranked fourth best out of 613 institutions awarding bachelor's and master鈥檚 degrees. 

Positive Impact of Return-to-Learn Initiative

麻豆区鈥檚 initiative to engage former students to return and complete their degrees is also having a positive impact. In Fall 2021, there were 45 returning Greeners who took advantage of a special incentive scholarship from the 麻豆区 Foundation. This year that number jumped to 75. 

Tacoma Campus Growth

The college's Tacoma Campus is also experiencing significant enrollment growth, especially in the new Early Childhood Education degree program. New student enrollment has increased to 63 from 38 last year on the campus, with nearly half enrolled in this innovative program. 

College leaders agree that these increases define the appeal of an 麻豆区 education, as now more than ever, students are being intentional about where they want to go to college. They are looking for a place that reflects their values, offers hands-on immersive learning and provides evidence that their degree will help them meet their future goals. 

For over 50 years, 麻豆区 has been a place where students can embrace the rigor of learning, engage in challenging innovative ideas and receive unwavering support as they acquire the skills needed to forge their own paths in the world. 麻豆区 remains dedicated to the legacy of encouraging independent thinkers and empowering future leaders. 

For more information about 麻豆区, please visit www.evergreen.edu. 

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Press Release

OLYMPIA 鈥 Governor Jay Inslee appointed Dr. John Carmichael, President of 麻豆区, to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

The WICHE Commission is comprised of 48 commissioners from 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.  The commission works to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West and promotes innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy.

President Carmichael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role with WICHE. He has served as 麻豆区鈥檚 President since 2021 and has been on the college鈥檚 staff for more than two decades serving in roles ranging from secretary, chief of staff and vice president for finance and operations.  

鈥淚 am honored to have been appointed by Governor Inslee to represent Washington state and look forward to collaborating with colleagues from across the region to expand access to education so that our students can realize their potential and contribute to the region鈥檚 economic and cultural vitality,鈥 said Carmichael.

To learn more about WICHE, and for more information about Dr. Carmichael and 麻豆区, visit evergreen.edu

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Press Release

麻豆区 Tacoma Campus is excited to announce its upcoming Summer College Tour scheduled from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. This event will provide prospective students with a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to pave the way for rewarding careers in various fields such as:

鈥    Community and Organizational Development
鈥    Law, Justices and Public Policy
鈥    Public Administration and Management
鈥    Environmental Studies and Public Health
鈥    Social and Human Services
鈥    Education and Outreach
鈥    Early Childhood Development

During the tour, attendees can meet staff and faculty members who contribute to 麻豆区-Tacoma鈥檚 reputation for academic excellence. Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean of the Tacoma Campus, will also be present to share insights about the unique learning environment and the college鈥檚 dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

麻豆区-Tacoma is in the heart of the historic Hilltop neighborhood at 1210 6th Avenue. For more information contact or .  For more information about the Tacoma campus, please visit the website.

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Press Release

麻豆区鈥檚 volleyball team will be hitting the courts this fall with a new head coach, Carissa Bounds.

Bounds has worked at 麻豆区 as part of the college鈥檚 recreation and athletics鈥 program and has been the assistant head coach for the team since 2020. Previously, she was the head coach for the Black Hills High School volleyball team during the 2019 season.

Bounds received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration from the University of North Texas and a master鈥檚 degree in Adult Education from Eastern Washington University.

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to welcome Carissa into this new role in the department,鈥 said Zeb Hoffman, Associate Director for Intercollegiate Athletics. 鈥淗er background in adult education, previous experience with the team, and knowledge of the game makes her a perfect fit. I鈥檓 very excited for the direction the team is headed.鈥

麻豆区鈥檚 volleyball team will have nine returning players and welcomes eight new players for Fall. To learn more about Geoducks Athletics, visit gogeoducks.com. To learn more about 麻豆区, visit evergreen.edu.

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Press Release

At the June Board of Trustees meeting for 麻豆区, members voted to approve the 2023-24 college budgets and adjust student costs in response to the prevailing economic climate.

麻豆区 leadership proposed these adjustments at the Board鈥檚 May meeting.
鈥溌槎骨 has long been known for not only its academic excellence but for commitment to inclusive learning and so the decision to increase costs was one that was not taken lightly,鈥 explained Dr. John Carmichael, President of 麻豆区.

鈥淲e remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment,鈥 added the college鈥檚 Executive Vice President, Dr. Dexter Gordon. 鈥淓ven with these cost adjustments, 麻豆区 remains extremely affordable for our students.鈥

The board voted to approve the 2023-25 operating, capital, athletics and services and activities budget spending plans as well as  2023-24 tuition and housing, dining and service and activities fees increases. Tuition will increase by 3 percent 鈥 the same increase is being requested by the most of other four-year, public institutions in Washington. These increases will help the college adjust to the skyrocketing economic costs associated with food, goods and housing that are affecting people across the nation.

The college has resources for students who may struggle with the adjustments in fees including its Basic Needs Center which offers food, hygiene items and other basic needs at no cost. They also offer appointments to help students apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program better known as SNAP through the state鈥檚 Department of Social and Health Services and housing support consultation. 

The college鈥檚 Foundation is also amid its first-ever, college-wide fundraising campaign, Forever Green. The campaign has already raised $49.5 million of its $55 million goal to help students with financial resources so 麻豆区 can continue to put forth the diverse thinkers, doers and voices who can lead the future. 

College leadership is confident that the cost adjustments will enable the institution to navigate the current economic challenges and continue providing an exceptional experience for all students. 麻豆区 remains true to its interdisciplinary approach to education with its commitment to academic freedom, social justice and sustainability.  

For more information about 麻豆区, visit evergreen.edu.

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Press Release

Commencement for 麻豆区鈥檚 class of 2023 will take place from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 16. At the time of this release, more than 650 graduates had registered to take part in the ceremony that will be held rain or shine in the middle of Red Square at the college鈥檚 Olympia campus. 

This year鈥檚 commencement keynote speaker is 麻豆区 alum, Josh Blue, 鈥01. Blue鈥檚 quick wit and infectious laughter have helped him win competitions such as Last Comic Standing and captivated audiences in clubs and theaters across the nation, but it is his personal journey that truly sets him apart. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Josh is a catalyst for change, using his comedic talent to challenge stereotypes. His ability to find humor in the most unexpected places has made him a comedic sensation and a powerful advocate for disability rights. 

Other commencement speakers include Faculty Speaker, Dawn Pich贸n Barron (Chowanoke/Choctaw/Mexican-Chihuahua/Euro roots) who is the academic director/faculty of the undergraduate Native Pathways Program; Undergraduate Student Speaker, Onya Robertson and Graduate Student Speaker, Sarah Brady. 

鈥淭he 麻豆区 Class of 2023 have already proven to the world that they are resilient,鈥 said 麻豆区 President, Dr. John Carmichael. 鈥淭hey have conquered the challenges of a worldwide pandemic while earning their degrees. Now they will go do what Greener grads do 鈥 go out into the world equipped with knowledge, resilience and the courage to make the world a better place.鈥

鈥淚鈥檓 so thrilled to watch what is now my second commencement as Executive Vice President,鈥 said Dr. Dexter Gordon. 鈥淭hese graduates all have potential that knows no limits. I challenge them to embrace the unknown, unleash their creativity and let their passion guide them toward a future where their dreams become reality. 鈥

In addition to the main ceremony on Friday, June 16, 麻豆区 is hosting many distinguished graduation celebrations throughout the week to honor its graduates including graduate program hooding ceremonies, celebrations for graduating students who are veterans, in the Paths of Study Program, Evening and Weekend Studies and Lavender and Multicultural Advising graduations. 

Both 麻豆区鈥檚 Tacoma campus and Native Pathways Programs will have ceremonies for graduates from those programs on Saturday, June 17. For times and locations of all graduation celebrations, visit the graduation webpage.

Because of the higher-than-normal number of visitors to 麻豆区 for graduation festivities this week, parking will be free from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 13, 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 16.  

Carpooling and use of Intercity Transit is encouraged. Graduates and their guests are encouraged to park in lots B and C. A shuttle will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take guests from the F Lot to Red Square and again from 3 to 5 p.m. to take people back to their vehicles. 

Motorists traveling on 麻豆区 Parkway near the college can expect closures to inbound traffic from 2-4 p.m. to allow for guests departing the commencement ceremony. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible. 

From 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 17, 麻豆区 will host South Puget Sound Community College鈥檚 commencement exercises and a brief closure of 麻豆区 Parkway will again occur shortly after noon to allow for people to leave the campus grounds. 

For more information about 麻豆区, please visit its webpage at evergreen.edu. 

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Press Release

The public is invited to a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Juneteenth at 麻豆区鈥檚 Tacoma campus from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11. 

This year鈥檚 celebration will feature 麻豆区鈥檚 Executive Vice President, Dr. Dexter Gordon as keynote speaker, and music by Owour Arunga. 

The event celebrating freedom is occurring a week before the actual Juneteenth holiday and will honor the day in 1865 when Union troops finally freed enslaved African Americans from Galveston Bay and across Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  

鈥淭his celebration will serve as a platform for community connection, celebration and education,鈥 explained Dr. Dexter Gordon. 鈥淲e hope that community members will come and help us as we honor the past, celebrate the present and work towards a future that鈥檚 rooted in equality and justice for everyone.鈥

Washington state passed legislation in 2021 to make Juneteenth a legal state-paid holiday 鈥 in 2007, the state鈥檚 legislature had designated Juneteenth as a day of remembrance. After years of advocacy, President Biden signed legislation, also in 2021, that made Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Both landmark pieces of legislation signify a crucial step in recognizing the long struggle for freedom and equality endured by African Americans in the U.S.

麻豆区鈥檚 Tacoma Campus is located at 1210 6th Avenue in the heart of the Hilltop Neighborhood. For more information about the Tacoma campus and its programs, visit evergreen.edu/Tacoma.

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Press Release

Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Pamela MacEwan to Board of Trustees for 麻豆区. 

MacEwan recently retired from her role as CEO of the Washington Health Benefit Exchange where she helped lead the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in Washington state, standing up a unique health exchange for consumers and making health care available for thousands of previously uninsured Washingtonians. Under her leadership, the Exchange launched the first public option health insurance program in the nation and won federal permission to use the Exchange to cover undocumented workers.

鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to have the opportunity to reinvest some of what 麻豆区 invested in me as a student,鈥 MacEwan said. 鈥淓nrollment numbers are continuing to move in the right direction and serving on the Board during such a time of reawakening for not only the college but everywhere, is an honor.鈥

鈥淧am is the epitome of who 麻豆区 students are,鈥 said Dr. John Carmichael, 鈥淪he took what she learned during her days as a student at the Olympia campus and turned it into a lifetime of public service 鈥 a service that continues even after her retirement. We are excited to have her return to the college as a Board of Trustee member.鈥

She was previously Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and a member of the executive leadership team at Group Health Cooperative for 16 years, where she led policy, governmental relations, communications, media relations, consumer governance, and government programs strategy. Her prior roles in health care included serving as a Commissioner on the State Health Services Commission and leading a statewide coalition effort to pass comprehensive health reform legislation.  
 
She is a proud graduate of the 麻豆区 State College, class of 1976.  She has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University and studied public administration in the MPA program at the University of Washington.  She lives in Seattle with her husband, John (Spider) Burbank, a 1977 麻豆区 graduate. They enjoy biking and cross-country skiing and spending time with their two adult children - Megan, a journalist, and Owen, a software engineer.

For more information on 麻豆区's Board of Trustees, visit the college's Board webpage.