Press Release: Shoreline Community College Announces First-Ever Bachelor’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

April 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) is proud to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene (BASDH) program, the first bachelor’s degree offering at the college. This innovative program aims to tackle the pressing need for qualified dental hygienists in Washington State, particularly in rural areas where access to dental care is limited. 

“This program is directly at the heart of our mission,” shared Dr. Lucas Rucks, Acting Vice President of Instruction at Shoreline. “We are using data to inform decisions, leveraging employer feedback, and putting out high-quality graduates to serve our communities exactly where they are needed most.” 

With data indicating a national shortage of dental hygienists and an increasing demand for their services, Shoreline Community College is stepping up to bridge this gap by expanding its dental hygiene program. The BASDH program builds upon the existing curriculum, making it both easy and convenient for students while ensuring they receive high-quality education to meet the demands of the profession. 

“Washington state has had an urgent need for dental care and dental care professionals for quite some time. We are thrilled with our partnership with the University of Washington for the location of this program and the launch of this new bachelor’s degree program in dental hygiene will be a huge boon to the state. Shoreline is known for a stellar dental hygiene program and this expansion will help us have a broader impact on the region,” said Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline Community College about the new program. 

The BASDH program is a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, overcoming significant obstacles to reach fruition. This degree maintains the rigorous standards of the existing dental hygiene program, with students completing 119 dental hygiene credits over the 8-quarter program. The addition of the bachelor’s program aligns with Shoreline Community College’s commitment to workforce development and addressing critical needs in the healthcare sector. 

Starting summer quarter 2024, the BASDH program will accept its first cohort of 20 students, who will graduate in June 2026. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students, as it will open up new possibilities for continuing education and work in the community, “ said Dr. Nikki Honey and Lori Simicich- Co-Directors of Shoreline’s Dental Hygiene Program.  

To learn more, please visit https://www.shoreline.edu/programs/dental-hygiene/dental-hygiene-bas.aspx 

Four people in yellow scrubs are learning on a human dental hygiene patient
A person in yellow scrubs is practicing dental hygiene on a patient
This is an empty dental chair
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Press Release- Preserving Heritage: Shoreline Community College Introduces New ‘Cedar’ Building, Honoring Pacific Northwest Indigenous Peoples

February 2, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Artist rendering of new 'Cedar' building

(Shoreline, Wash., February 2, 2024) In an earnest endeavor to strengthen ties with local tribes, and to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest, Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) is proud to announce the naming of its new academic facility. The chosen name for the new building is, “Cedar,” and pays homage to the region’s natural environment, characterized by towering trees and dense plantings.  

Washington State legislation requires the inclusion of Indigenous voices in the creation of new capital building projects, but leadership at Shoreline wanted to go beyond that requirement, and really work to forge an intentional and lasting collaboration with local tribes that will impact not only this building but also future community partnership efforts. The naming process was initiated as a collaborative effort with various tribes, including representatives of the Tulalip and Muckleshoot tribes, with a focus on engaging in meaningful conversations and respecting tribal perspectives. Shoreline also worked closely with Eliise Bill-Gerrish, a Lushootseed Language Educator from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, who played a pivotal role in ensuring that the naming process honored the authenticity of the Lushootseed language, the traditional language of many tribes in the Puget Sound Region, reflecting the wishes and cultural nuances of the tribes involved. Bill-Gerrish is meticulously translating and creating audio clips for each word in the Southern Lushootseed language. This approach was adopted to honor the language and culture in its true form, avoiding the phonetic translation into English. 

“The Cedar building is named after the prolific Western Red Cedar trees, x̌əpay̓ac in Southern Lushootseed, which are beloved by Pacific Northwest Tribal Nations. The cedar tree is revered for its ability to lift the Lushootseed People up in numerous ways. For example, many styles of canoes are made from the trunks of the x̌əpay̓ac, the inner bark and roots are used to weave baskets and hats, and the leaves can be used to support respiratory systems,” said Bill-Gerrish about the meaning of the name. 

“Another significant part of the story behind the new building name involves Shoreline’s Associated Student Government (ASG). Often new buildings are named after famous people or donors who made the highest donation toward the project. In our case we are proud to say that our largest donor was our students.  Our student government also advocated strongly for honoring our region’s Indigenous heritage and at the recommendation of our Indigenous partners, ASG helped us choose the name Cedar for our new building,” said Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline Community College. 

Shoreline Community College’s commitment to honoring Indigenous Peoples extends beyond this new building. “Tulalip and Muckleshoot tribal members, college leaders and the design team embraced Indigenous values by thinking about names for buildings and campus open spaces in terms of the nature of a place,” said Walter Schacht, Architect and Partner at the Mithun Architecture Firm. The College’s approach aligns with its broader initiative, of wayfinding across campus which seeks to name various features of the campus, including the proposal to associate Lushootseed names with Indigenous trees and shrubs. 

“We know there is still much work to be done to acknowledge and serve our Indigenous communities, but we are excited about the prospect of building a relationship with Muckleshoot Tribal College and other tribes, fostering meaningful and ongoing collaboration. This is just the beginning of a continuous effort to strengthen relationships with the tribes and respect the cultural significance of the land we occupy,” said Dr. Kahn. 

The Cedar building is devoted to the sciences and manufacturing, and will house biology and chemistry courses, biotech and biomanufacturing instruction, and advanced manufacturing, as well as a few other related programs. It is now fully open for instruction as of the start of the Winter Quarter, on January 8, 2024. 

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Press Release: Shoreline Community College Welcomes James Stark as Newest Board of Trustees Member

January 26, 2024 by Leave a Comment
This is an image of Shoreline Community College's Newest Board of Trustees Member, James Stark.

Shoreline, Wash., January 26, 2024) Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) 

The Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the recent appointment of James Stark, a distinguished Principal Product Manager at Microsoft Corporation, to the esteemed Board. This appointment comes following Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s selection of Stark in October 2023. 

James Stark officially assumed his role on the Board effective October 2023, with a term set to run through September 2028. The Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees, comprising five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Washington State Senate, plays a pivotal role as the college’s policy-making body. Board members are responsible for selecting, supervising, and evaluating the college president. 

Stark, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the development, sales, and marketing of commercial software, graduated with honors from California State University, Chico. Holding a degree in Information and Communication Systems with a minor in Computer Science, Stark brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board. His expertise aligns seamlessly with Shoreline’s commitment to providing diverse students and communities with exceptional educational opportunities. 

In addition to his professional achievements, James Stark is a devoted family man who enjoys playing music and spending quality time with his family and kids in the Lake Forest Park area. 

“We are thrilled to welcome James Stark to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees,” remarked Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline Community College. “His extensive experience in STEM, coupled with his commitment to education, aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide diverse students and communities with exceptional educational opportunities.” 

James Stark takes over from Trustee Tom Lux, who served two terms from November 2013 to September 2023. Stark joins four other dedicated trustees, including Rebecca Chan, Rebecca Ringer, Eben Pobee, and Kim Wells, as they collectively guide the college towards continued success. 

Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Stark stated, “It’s an honor to be appointed to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees. Shoreline has a critical role to play in advancing educational opportunities in our region, and I’m excited to bring my experience in STEM to help further the mission for our diverse students and communities.” 

For more information about the Shoreline Board of Trustees, please visit Shoreline Board of Trustees. 

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Shoreline Community College Experiences Upward Enrollment Trend, Reflecting Post-Pandemic Resilience  

January 24, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Student studying in the sunlight

(Shoreline, Wash., January 24, 2024)– Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) 

Shoreline Community College is pleased to announce a significant upward enrollment trend, demonstrating a positive trajectory in student numbers over the past four quarters. The college attributes this surge to a combination of dedicated efforts by campus leaders, faculty, and staff, along with the implementation of innovative programs and outreach initiatives. “We are thrilled to see increased enrollment here at Shoreline. Community colleges play a crucial role in transfer to four-year degree programs, and workforce readiness, and seeing this change is really wonderful,” said Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline Community College. 

Announcing the encouraging trend, Ann Garnsey-Harter, Associate Vice President of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Project Management at Shoreline Community College, stated: “Our enrollment numbers have been up for the last four quarters, so I think we can call it a trend now.” For example, the College has seen a 7% increase in students enrolling for the current winter 2024 quarter as compared to one year prior. In total, the College is serving 3,660 full-time equivalent (FTE) students this winter quarter. (One FTE is the equivalent of one student enrolled in 15 college credits for this quarter). This new trend of increased enrollments is significant in that it is the first winter quarter enrollment increase in five years.   

Lucas Rucks, Acting Vice President of Instruction, also weighed in on the positive development, offering insights into the reasons behind the enrollment surge. “Coming out of a pandemic and seeing enrollment return tells me two things,” Lucas stated. “One- across the campus, the deans, faculty, and staff have worked extremely hard to provide access to students by following the data and meeting their needs. Two, we have high-quality programs that appeal to the region and support skill development for industry leaders and our university partners.”  

Often in an economic downturn there is a notable uptick of students across the nation returning to school, but that was not the case during the pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty in the job market and many individuals deferred career retraining, upskilling, or career advancement as a result. Additionally, the lack of wrap-around community services during the lockdown periods created barriers for those with diverse needs. 

When asked about the College’s enrollment strategy post-pandemic, Acting Vice President Rucks attributed an increase in enrollment to proactive outreach, effective advising, and strong partnerships with K-12 institutions and the community. The College is collaborating with community partners to better meet the needs of students, by offering financial aid workshops; providing onsite assistance in answering financial aid questions; and helping to remove barriers to enrollment. According to Rucks, “We also have adapted our learning modalities to better suit the needs of students, modifying class schedules, piloting late-start classes (classes that start later in the quarter), and offering science and technology classes in the evening, all of which provides additional options for learners.” 

In adapting to student needs, Shoreline Community College has embraced hybrid classes, allowing for a mix of in-person and online instruction. Some classes meet in person once a week, while others follow a two-day-a-week format, providing students with options to suit their schedules.  

The pandemic not only was hard on students enrolling, it also was challenging for staff as well. When asked how the increased enrollment has impacted morale, Chippi Bello, Dean of Access and Advising said, “People are really excited about seeing an increase in enrollment, and it is definitely a boost to our employees across the College. They enjoy seeing more students. It gives people hope and optimism about the work they are doing.”  

As Shoreline Community College continues to experience growth in enrollment, the institution remains committed to providing accessible, quality education— inspiring lifelong learning, and empowering diverse learners with opportunities for career development that contributes to the enrichment of our community. 

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Press Release: U.S. Department of State IDEAS Program Awards Shoreline Community College Grant to Build Study Abroad Capacity

June 9, 2023 by Leave a Comment

(Shoreline, Wash., June 9, 2023) Shoreline Community College (Shoreline) 

Shoreline Community College (SCC) is one of 34 U.S. colleges and universities in 28 U.S. states to be awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program, which aims to develop and expand study abroad programs around the world. “I am so excited about this opportunity for our community. One of our goals is to better connect with our external and local international partners to best serve the diverse northern Seattle area. Opportunities like this not only support that goal but also provide wonderful learning opportunities for our faculty and students,” said SCC President Dr. Jack Kahn. 

Of the 34 U.S. colleges and universities, eight are community colleges and 13 are minority-serving institutions. The selected proposals will develop new international partnerships, train faculty and staff, internationalize curriculum, engage diverse students in study abroad, broaden the destinations where U.S. students study, and create virtual and hybrid exchanges.  

“Increasing and diversifying U.S. students going abroad for educational opportunities, as well as diversifying the places where they study, is a State Department priority,” said Lee Satterfield, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. “This year’s recipients reflect the true greatness of America – our diversity – as almost 25 percent represent two-year institutions, 40 percent represent minority-serving institutions, and 25 percent represent rural-serving institutions.”  

This IDEAS Program Award will allow Shoreline Community College to develop a new study abroad program for Washington community college nursing students. The new program leverages a long-standing and successful study/service-learning abroad program in dental hygiene, led by SCC and our non-profit partner in Seattle and Bolivia, Smiles Forever. 

“We are delighted to be one of the eight community colleges in the country to receive this prestigious award! Study abroad programs have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and it is encouraging to see the federal government’s support in supporting their revival. U.S. students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, benefit tremendously from these opportunities,” said Samira Pardanani, Associate Vice President, International Education & Global Engagement. 

This study abroad program will be unique among community college nursing programs, as study abroad experiences are largely inaccessible for nursing students. Bolivia is also a traditionally underrepresented location for study abroad programs amongst US students. According to the Open Doors 2022 report, in 2020-2021, Bolivia received fewer than 79 US study abroad students. Colleen Ferguson, Special Project Lead, International Engagement had this to say about the program, “With the IDEAS Program Award, nursing faculty will be supported in developing a new service-learning program to Bolivia that will allow our nursing students the opportunity to practice their unique skills and gain valuable cross-cultural experience.” 

Since 2016, the IDEAS Program has awarded 179 grants to 173 U.S. colleges and universities in 49 states and territories to create, expand, and diversify their U.S. study abroad programs in 71 countries across all world regions. In addition to the IDEAS grants, the program offers opportunities for international educators at U.S. colleges and universities to participate in free virtual and in-person study abroad capacity-building activities.  

The IDEAS Program is a program of the U.S Department of State with funding provided by the United States Government and supported in its implementation by World Learning. For a full list of 2023 IDEAS grantees, as well as information on upcoming IDEAS webinars and workshops, please visit www.studyabroadcapacitybuilding.org. 

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