System News | Opinion
Colleges see international enrollment shifts amid visa program changes
...At Whatcom Community College, Director of International Programs Kelly Kester said the composition of international
students has shifted in recent years. Enrollment from China has decreased over time,
and the largest share of current international students comes from Vietnam.
Salish Current, March 17, 2026
Grays Harbor College awards tenure to Destini Kirkwood
At the March 10 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Grays Harbor College awarded tenure to Human Services faculty Destini Kirkwood. The process before tenure
is awarded includes a three-year probationary period of rigorous peer and student
evaluation, self-evaluation, support for professional growth, and increasing levels
of college and community services.
Daily World, March 13, 2026
People of influence 2026: Rebekah Woods
... "The privilege to help transform the lives of the 12,283 students we served last
year and the amazing partnerships we have with business and industry on grants and
building programs that provide meaningful experiences for our students and local K-12
students." [Columbia Basin College]
Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business, March 12, 2026
Bellevue College to rededicate ‘Never Again is Now’ mural defaced in 2020
... “Making this mural a permanent … installation on our campus is a commitment to
not shying away from those uncomfortable moments, from those uncomfortable realities,
from those uncomfortable conversations. Not shying away from the reality of past injustices,” Bellevue College President David May said in a news conference.
The Seattle Times, March 12, 2026
Spokane Community College culinary arts program now enrolling
[Video]…”You need to come in and check this out for yourself, and if you’ve ever had
a thought that you might be interested in pursuing a career in hospitality, baking…anything
involving fine dining, baking, this is the spot for you." [Spokane Community College]
KREM 2, March 11, 2026
Higher Education and Politics
What will it take to address the Pell shortfall?
Most experts say the primary goal should be finding the funds needed to plug an immediate
$17 billion gap. But it remains undecided where those funds would come from or how
to resolve the larger $100 billion deficit over the next 10 years.
Inside Higher Ed, March 17, 2026
How education fared this legislative session
...Compared with the turbulence in K-12, higher education came out of this session
with fewer direct changes than many feared. The main cuts in the budget are small
administrative reductions and trims to Running Start...
The Seattle Times, March 16, 2026
More WA foster, homeless youth to get tuition help
More Washington youth who have experienced homelessness or foster care will automatically
qualify for the state’s largest financial aid program under a bill Gov. Bob Ferguson
is expected to sign into law Saturday.
The Seattle Times, March 14, 2026
