System News | Opinion
Hank Kirk, longtime Centralia College president, dies at 90
Former longtime Centralia College president Henry “Hank” Port Kirk III died Tuesday, April 14, his wife Jenny Kirk said
in an email. He was 90. Kirk served as the president of the college from 1986 to 2002,
and was widely credited with revitalizing an institution that had been facing a possible
closure. During his tenure, Kirk worked to improve the campus’s facilities and programs
while increasing student enrollment.
Centralia Chronicle, April 15, 2026
Big Bend Community College to host 33rd Annual Job & Career Fair in Moses Lake
Big Bend Community College is preparing to host one of the region’s largest employment events as it welcomes
job seekers and employers back to campus for the 33rd annual Job & Career Fair later
this month.
Source One News, April 14, 2026
Four Edmonds College students recognized on the 2026 All-Washington Academic Team
Edmonds College students Leonie Baker, Cadaia Lake, Dulce Reyes, and Paulina Savoie will be honored
as members of the 2026 All-Washington (All-WA) Academic Team during a ceremony at
South Puget Sound Community College on April 23.
Lynnwood Times, April 14, 2026
Photography exhibit to open today at Peninsula College
...“Reflection and connection motivate me to create art,” Margell said. “There are
stories in all of us, our families and experiences. Art is one way I share my own
lived experience and connection with my ancestors.” [Peninsula College]
Peninsula Daily News, April 14, 2026
College and career event to support seniors, graduates
...[Yakima Valley College] Student Engagement Specialist Sandra Zesati says the event is intended to make the
process of continuing education more accessible. “Hosting an event like this is important
because many students and community members want to continue their education or start
a career but aren’t always sure where to begin,” Zesati said.
Sunnyside Sun, April 14, 2026
Edmonds College students release salmon into Lake Ballinger
About 80 coho salmon began their journey to the Pacific Ocean on Friday thanks to
an Edmonds College class. The salmon will swim across Lake Ballinger, through the
McAleer Creek Watershed, into Lake Washington and eventually out into the Pacific
Ocean. [Edmonds College]
Everett Herald, April 14, 2026
Higher Education and Politics
Students earning credentials at younger ages
Students are earning undergraduate credentials at younger ages, according to a new
report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Inside Higher Ed, April 16, 2026
Editorial: Shouldn’t a diploma mean students are ready for college or work?
It’s not often one hears students clamoring for tougher coursework and tighter deadlines.
But a group of college kids who recently graduated from Washington high schools have
given state education leaders an earful.
The Seattle Times, April 16, 2026
