System News | Opinion
Tacoma Community College gets a $400K grant from KeyBank Foundation
Tacoma Community College has received a $400,000 grant from the KeyBank Foundation to help create a career
navigator role at the school. The new position, also known as the degree transfer
agreement navigator, will work with students working toward an associate’s degree
and who are looking to transfer to a four-year college or university.
South Sound Magazine, Jan. 28, 2026
Edmonds College Art Gallery presents “Someone Was, Someone Wasn’t” by Gina Grey
Edmonds College Art Gallery is hosting the solo exhibition “Someone Was, Someone Wasn’t” featuring
the works of Gina Grey during its winter art exhibition. ... Someone Was, Someone
Wasn’t is a series of ceramic objects that explore human fragility, loss, and emotional
endurance.
Lynnwood Times, Jan. 28, 2026
McDonnell sits in on first BBCC Board of Trustees meeting
Sarah McDonnell, the newest member on the Board of Trustees at Big Bend Community College, sat in on her first board meeting Thursday afternoon after being appointed by Governor
Bob Ferguson last week. McDonnell said she realized she still has a lot to learn about
the position, but she is excited to take on the challenge.
Columbia Basin College, Jan. 28, 2026
Lower Columbia College board votes to end president contract without cause
The Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to end President Matt Seimears' contract for convenience
during a special meeting Monday evening. The board did not provide a reasoning for
the decision, which was made following a 70-minute executive session and takes effect
immediately.
The Reflector, Jan. 28, 2026
Columbia Basin College hosts event to raise awareness on human trafficking
Students at Columbia Basin College are once again bringing attention to human trafficking in the Tri-Cities with an annual
three-day event. Beginning Tuesday, the event includes presentations and information
on trafficking in the area. Students linked hands to form a chain, symbolizing the
number of victims locally. [Video]
KEPR, Jan. 27, 2026
Winter enrollment up at BBCC
During the President’s Report at the Big Bend Community College trustee meeting Thursday afternoon, the final stats for fall enrollment and stats
for Winter enrollment were shared.
Columbia Basin Herald, Jan. 23, 2026
Bellevue College, Western Washington University unveil transfer admission agreement
Bellevue College, in partnership with Western Washington University, has announced a new transfer
pathway that guarantees admission to Western for Bellevue College students who complete
a transfer degree.
425 Magazine, Jan. 22, 2026
Higher Education and Politics
Washington Watch: ED announces ‘neg-reg’ on accreditation
The U.S. Education Department (ED) on Monday announced its long-anticipated negotiated
rulemaking to reform the accreditation system, which ultimately will result in new
regulations. The department’s announcement comes in light of a high-profile executive
order and numerous official statements by the Trump administration that reflect a
deep dissatisfaction with the accreditation status quo.
Community College Daily, Jan. 27, 2026
The rise of degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships, programs that let students earn a college degree while gaining
paid work experience, are a fast-growing model in education and workforce development.
Inside Higher Ed, Jan. 26, 2026
