Communiversities: Examining Mission and Access

Join us for a panel discussion on the changing landscape of community colleges in Washington State and across the nation. Hear from visionary leaders who are involved in implementing change including the introduction of four-year degrees at community colleges.

Will these degrees truly increase access to four-year degrees? Will this new pursuit affect the existing mission of community colleges? Discuss this important topic and experience the type of real-world issues that are addressed in Northeastern's Doctor of Education program.

Expert panel members include:

Jean Floten, First Chancellor of Western Governors University, Former President of Bellevue College

Jean Floten became the first chancellor of WGU Washington in 2011. Under her leadership, WGU Washington has grown to approximately 6,500 students and awarded more than 2,500 bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Chancellor Floten joined WGU Washington after leading Washington’s Bellevue College for more than 22 years, where she developed the college from Bellevue Community College into an innovative, nationally acclaimed institution. She has been named a “Woman of Influence” by the Puget Sound Business Journal, one of Seattle’s “Most Influential People” by Seattle Magazine, and earned the Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa’s “Pathfinder Award.”

Denise Yochum, President at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Denise Yochum has served as President of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood, Washington since 2006. President Yochum oversees the Fort Steilacoom campus with approximately 3,500 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) students and 2,200 FTE students in Pierce College’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) education program. Prior to Pierce College, President Yochum was the Vice President for Instruction at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington for almost five years. President Yochum started her community college career at Big Bend Community College where she served in various instructional administrative positions including Assistant Dean of Continuing Education and Distance Learning as well as the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Kimberly Nolan (moderator), Senior Fellow, Northeastern University

Kimberly Nolan is a faculty member in the Graduate Education programs, including the Doctor of Education program. Dr. Nolan teaches online doctoral courses such as “Student Engagement,” “Research Methodology,” and teaches the “Introduction to Doctoral Studies,” hybrid course at the Seattle Campus. Dr. Nolan also advises doctoral students through their dissertation. She serves on the adjunct faculty of Lyndon State College in Vermont, and is the coordinator of academic services at the Community College of Vermont.