Dear Highline College,

As we conclude another week together, I would like to express my appreciation for your continued engagement and thoughtful feedback during our December listening sessions. Please be assured that the Executive Cabinet (EC) is actively reviewing and considering your input, and we remain committed to fostering an environment of transparency and responsiveness. Further details regarding our action steps will be shared soon.

One significant update that EC plans to implement will take place at the next Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, January 22. Board meeting will now be recorded and made publicly available for later viewing. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to ensure greater access and transparency for all members of our college community.

I would also like to acknowledge the upcoming observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s official birthday on January 15. Dr. King’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the mission of education and the pursuit of justice. He once stated, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” His words remind us that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about shaping character and fostering the ability to engage thoughtfully with the world around us.

Dr. King’s work remains profoundly relevant today, as we continue to navigate complex social issues and strive for equity and inclusion. It is vital that we remain attentive to the events unfolding in our world and reflect on how we, as individuals and as a community, can contribute to positive change.

On Monday, January 19, we observe a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Personally, I plan to use this opportunity not only to commemorate Dr. King’s life and achievements, but also to reflect on how we might uphold his ideals within our educational pursuits and in our commitment to justice. I invite everyone to consider finding a meaningful way to honor Dr. King’s legacy on MLK Day, whether that be through personal reflection, engaging in community service, or thoughtful dialogue with others.

I look forward to welcoming you all back to campus next week and continuing our important work together. Take care!

Kind regards,

-Jamilyn Penn, EdD

Interim President