We’re happy to share that Wendy Coates will be transitioning into the role of Associate Vice President of Development and Community Engagement (AVP-DCE) at Shoreline Community College, effective immediately. Wendy will also continue to serve as Executive Director of the Shoreline Community College Foundation, further expanding her impact on our campus and broader community. 

In her new capacity, Wendy will expand her role as a senior leader overseeing advancement, alumni relations, fundraising, and strategic community engagement in alignment with Shoreline’s mission.  As part of a redeveloped outreach structure all community development and advancement-related outreach will be coordinated through the Advancement Office, and recruitment and enrollment activities will remain under the direction of Student Affairs. This change supports the strategic plan goals around engagement and allows Wendy and her team to plan and implement engagement strategies that strengthen Shoreline’s visibility and deepen its role as an anchor institution in this community. Key priorities include maintaining a strong presence at local events, facilitating community-facing programs on campus, and cultivating partnerships that advance institutional goals. 

Outreach staff member Amy Stapleton will serve as Community Engagement Coordinator within the Advancement Office. Under Wendy’s direction, Amy will help streamline campus events to ensure they are inclusive, strategically designed, and resonate with the broader community. In her role as Campus and Community Engagement Specialist, she will also support alumni relations, fundraising initiatives, and enhance institutional visibility creating vital connections between Shoreline’s programs and the public it serves. 

Wendy’s transition into this role builds upon her significant contributions to the College, including launching new student-centered initiatives and endowments, leading financial recovery and operational transparency, and operationalizing funding in support of programs and staff/faculty development. Under her direction, the Foundation earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of nonprofit organizations nationwide. 

As AVP-DCE, Wendy will continue driving inclusive philanthropy, storytelling, alumni engagement, and community partnerships, ensuring Shoreline’s values of equity, access, and excellence are reflected in everything we do. 

Please join us in recognizing Wendy’s dynamic leadership and in supporting her next chapter at Shoreline. Her commitment to our students and community will continue to shape a bold and inclusive future. 

We would like to announce three departmental name changes for Shoreline. These name changes better align with national standards and will support our students more effectively. 

Instruction to Academic Affairs 

This change reflects the broader role the division plays in supporting teaching and learning across campus. 

Why the change? 

• Broader Scope: Encompasses curriculum development, assessment, faculty development, and academic support, not just classroom teaching. 
• Common Higher Ed Language: Aligns with terminology used by most colleges and universities. 
• Supports Strategic Goals: Reflects a more integrated and student-centered approach to academic leadership. 
• Promotes Collaboration: Strengthens connections with Student Affairs, DEI, and PIE to support student success. 

Student Services to Student Affairs 

This update aligns with national naming conventions and underscores the holistic nature of student support. 

Why the change? 

• Nationally Recognized Name: Matches the terminology used by most four-year institutions. 
• Supports Transfer Students: Helps students more easily navigate higher education systems. 
• Professional Alignment: Reflects terminology used by the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) and the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), our national associations for student affairs. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) to English Language Learning (ELL) 

The new name better honors the multilingual backgrounds and lived experiences of our students. 

Why the change? 

• More Inclusive: “Second language” doesn’t reflect the reality for many students who speak multiple languages. 
• Student-Driven: Chosen through an inclusive process that included 134 responses, 71% of which were from students. 
• Culturally Responsive: Supports inclusive and anti-racist pedagogy and reflects current naming trends. 

Thank you to all the faculty, staff, and students who participated in the thoughtful conversations that led to these changes. These updates help ensure that our language reflects our values and our commitment to clear communication and student success.