Dear colleagues,

Earning tenure is no small achievement. I know this not just as an administrator, but from personal experience. I went through the tenure process myself as English faculty at Clover Park Technical College, and I remember well what it requires. Tenure demands years of sustained excellence. It asks you to refine your craft and deepen your pedagogy. It requires reflection, documentation, assessment, growth, and resilience. It means opening your classroom, your ideas, and your work to careful review. It’s rigorous because it matters.

And while the reward is certainly meaningful for your careers, the greater reward belongs to our students and to our community. Tenure strengthens the institution. It protects academic freedom. It ensures that students are guided by dedicated professionals who are committed not just to teaching, but to continuous improvement and long-term service.

Faculty – You consistently demonstrate creativity and innovation in your work, fostering an engaging and inspiring environment for those around you. Your efforts are always aligned with institutional standards, and you are deeply committed to the success of your students. Furthermore, your passion for your profession is evident in all that you do, making a positive impact on both your colleagues and learners. Thank you for your hard work, your perseverance, and your commitment to excellence.

Tenure is never a solo journey. I have much appreciation and gratitude for members of the Tenure Review Committee (TRC), which includes Dr. Rolita Ezeonu, Vice President of Academic Affairs; the Tenure Working (TWC) Committees; the Board of Trustees for your focused attention on supporting the faculty; the Highline community, and family and friends who supported you along the way. A special shout out to the amazing Carrie Davidson, Director of Academic Affairs for keeping all of us on track.

Across the college community, we are deeply honored to welcome you into the ranks of tenured faculty at Highline College. We are proud of all that you have accomplished today, and we are excited for all that you will continue to accomplish in the years ahead.

• Prairie Brown
• Kelly Converse
• Ahmed Fahad
• Lauren Hatch
• Audra Lord
• Aaron Ottinger
• Jennifer Ritchey
• Galia Sion
• Laura Sposato
• Kara Stuart
• Mary Weir

Congratulations!

Jamilyn

Jamilyn Penn, EdD

Interim President

Highline College