Once again, I offer my sincere thanks to the entire campus community, including all who participated in our recruitment screening process, for their work in our recent search for our next Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (EVP-ASA). Although that search was technically “failed,” this simply means I am now considering the best alternative to ensure our work continues and we have the leadership needed in this critically important position. As I have previously mentioned, the Executive Vice President is one of the most senior positions at the College.

At Shoreline, we face a number of significant imperatives that make my decision for filling this EVP position both time-sensitive and specific to the current context of our work. The EVP-ASA I select to hire must be able to:

• Demonstrate an immediate understanding of our needs in the Washington Community and Technical College system
  • Grow our domestic and international enrollment
  • Understand the implications of the new allocation model as it relates to Shoreline
• Serve to help sustain our refreshed Strategic Planning goals and strategies, and
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to the values of Shoreline, including our Community Standard and working together to support student success

The challenges of recruiting a position at this level around the country are apparent. I reviewed several pre-qualified candidates who are available for short-term contracts for six to nine months.  Among available options for the permanent position, one individual is clearly the best choice for Shoreline. This person demonstrates all the abilities that I just listed as essential for the EVP-ASA position.

I am pleased to announce my decision to appoint Alison Stevens as the new EVP-ASA beginning in July 2016. We are both fortunate that Dr. Stevens has a strong interest in returning to Shoreline to work with us, and her leadership skills will complement the work ahead of us and help students “finish what they start.”

Alison wanted to express the following to the Shoreline community, “I am delighted that this opportunity allows me to return to Shoreline and work with the dedicated faculty and staff and new leadership provided by President Roberts. I am excited to share my passion and commitment to continue Shoreline’s exceptional work focused on student achievement and success.”

Bob Francis, who is retiring from the EVP-ASA position at the end of June, also noted, “I have confidence in Alison’s ability to build on the foundation the College community has worked on in recent years to sustain and advance Shoreline’s strategic objectives. She has the unique ability to meet the challenges and opportunities that Shoreline faces now and in the fast-approaching future.”

Later this afternoon, I invite you to join me to discuss this decision in a meeting with the campus community from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Automotive Showroom (Room 2120).

Sincerely,
Cheryl
Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President

Alison Stevens is the new Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Shoreline Community College.

Alison Stevens biographical summary
Alison Stevens, Ph.D. is the new Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Shoreline Community College beginning in July 2016. Dr. Stevens has been a community college leader for the past ten years and, prior to returning to Shoreline, she served as the Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Everett Community College. Alison previously served as the interim Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Shoreline following seven years as an instructional dean for Seattle Central and North Seattle Colleges. In addition to her community college administration roles, Alison designed customized programs for international students as well as teaching for thirteen years in English as a Second Language, Spanish, and Linguistics at the University of Washington. Her prior background includes her work as a Fair Hearings and Financial Services Leadworker for the state’s Department of Social and Health Services. She holds a doctorate in theoretical linguistics and a Master in Teaching – English as a Second Language from the University of Washington.