COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE’S PRESIDENT DR. REBEKAH WOODS AWARDED ACT CEO AWARD FOR WASHINGTON STATE (Photo) - 04/23/26

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Elizabeth Burtner, cell 509-975-6882, eburtner@columbiabasin.edu

COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE’S PRESIDENT DR. REBEKAH WOODS AWARDED ACT CEO AWARD FOR WASHINGTON STATE

Pasco, WA, April 21, 2026 – Columbia Basin College (CBC) is proud to announce Dr. Rebekah Woods, President of Columbia Basin College (CBC) will be awarded the 2026 ACT Chief Executive Officer Award from the Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) at their spring conference in May. Dr. Woods was recognized for her commitment to excellence in advancing the community college movement and the success of Columbia Basin College under her leadership.

Dr. Woods was nominated by the CBC Board of Trustees and supported by student leadership. “Thanks to Dr. Woods strategic direction and unwavering commitment to student success, CBC has been able to expand programs and strengthen student support systems. Her leadership has ensured that CBC will continue to serve our students and the community long into the future, transforming the lives of students and their families for generations”, said Trustee Ofelia Rivas de Bredt.

Dr. Woods joined CBC in 2017. Her nomination noted her focus on student success and the development of innovative high-demand programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Community Health, and a BAS in Teacher Education. With her shared vision and commitment to student success, CBC remains a steady, trusted workforce partner supporting local industry needs. Dr. Woods commitment to campus and community is a role model highlighting the power of the community and technical community college system as a key part of local economic development.

For questions, please email Elizabeth Burtner, Vice President for Marketing & External Engagement at eburtner@columbiabasin.edu.

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Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare, Community Health, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Health Physics, Project Management, Respiratory Therapy, Software Development, and Administration Teacher Education. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Computer Science.

Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Of Columbia Basin College Hosts Project Pajama And Collects Over 1000 Items To Support Victim Teens And Kids Of Domestic Strife (Photo) - 04/08/26

PASCO, WA – April 10, 2026 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) today announced the college chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will be delivering over 1000 items at 10am on Friday, April 10, to the Richland office of the Department of Children, Youth and Families as part of its annual Project Pajama collection campaign to support victim teens and kids of domestic strife in our region.  PTK partnered with the ASCBC, ImPACT!Compassion Center and TriCU Credit Union to secure substantial quantities of NEW pajamas and sweats in all kid sizes (nb-teen), toiletries, backpacks, stuffies and books for local youth suddenly displaced from their homes - often late at night - due to family hardship and domestic strife. Children often arrive at the DCYF agency scared, confused and with only the clothes on their back. PTK hopes to heighten awareness of this issue and to provide gifts of comfort to youth in need!!

The month-long collection campaign at CBC was launched on Wednesday, February 25 when the campus hosted a Wear Pajamas Day event to heighten awareness to this great need.  Throughout the month of March, collection bins were then made available at multiple locations on both the Pasco and Richland campuses.  

The successful campaign resulted in securing well over 1000+ of the items listed below:

 • New pajamas/sweats in ALL sizes for both boys and girls are greatly appreciated.

• Our greatest needs are sizes 10/12 and teen sizes S, M, L, and XL.

• Toiletries help provide comfort and dignity during a difficult time.

• New, cuddly stuffed animals always bring smiles and reassurance.

• Children’s books for all ages offer comfort, escape, and hope.

• New backpacks help children keep their belongings safe and together.

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), is a state agency that oversees child welfare, early learning, and juvenile rehabilitation services, with an office in Richland.  DCYF handles child abuse and neglect reports (via Child Protective Services or CPS), supports families, and manages programs for children and youth. 

Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at Columbia Basin College (PTK) is a national honor society founded in 1918 and established to promote collaborative opportunities and unique programs for community college students to develop academic success and leadership skills. Its main objective is to mentor student role models who volunteer as "students serving students" at their respective campuses. PTK is a unique service club which strives to develop quality individuals who will make a significant positive difference at their college campus and local communities; and ultimately contribute back to society as upright-standing citizens aspiring to improve life conditions for mankind.

This event is a collaboration among the Associated Students of CBC Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, DCYF, ImPACT!Compassion Center and TriCU Credit Union.

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Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate,

and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. 

Columbia Basin College Announces Spring Break Planetarium Show And Observatory Stargazing Schedule - 03/30/26

Pasco, WA — March 30, 2026 — Columbia Basin College (CBC) invites the community to explore the wonders of the universe during spring break, April 3-11 at the CPCCo Planetarium and the Robert and Elisabeth Moore Observatory, both located on the CBC Pasco campus. The CPCCo Planetarium is offering a full lineup of engaging shows and observatory viewing opportunities. The schedule features family‑friendly programs, Spanish‑language presentations, low‑sensory shows, and evening stargazing at the Robert and Elisabeth Moore Observatory.

Located on the Columbia Basin College (CBC) Pasco campus, the Planetarium’s immersive shows use state‑of‑the‑art digital projection to transport audiences from the microscopic world of cells to the farthest reaches of space.   

Following is the line-up of upcoming shows:

Friday, April 3

• 7:00 PM – Cell! Cell! Cell!, Planetarium
• 8:15 PM – Observatory Viewing, Observatory

Saturday, April 4

• 7:00 PM – EN ESPAÑOL – “Universo Invisible,” Planetarium
• 8:15 PM – EN ESPAÑOL – Observación en el Observatorio, Observatory

Monday, April 6

• 2:00 PM – The Little Star That Could, Planetarium

Tuesday, April 7

• 12:00 PM – Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity, Planetarium

Wednesday, April 8

• 12:00 PM – LOW SENSORY SHOW – Oasis in Space, Planetarium

Thursday, April 9

• 12:00 PM – Cell! Cell! Cell!, Planetarium

Friday, April 10

• 7:00 PM – Worlds Beyond Earth, Planetarium
• 8:15 PM – Observatory Viewing, Observatory

Saturday, April 11

• 2:00 PM – Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival, Planetarium
• 3:30 PM – LOW SENSORY SHOW – The Little Star That Could, Planetarium

Programs are open to the public and suitable for a wide range of ages, unless otherwise noted. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended, especially for evening and observatory programs. For tickets, visit  https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/CBCPlanetarium/4311 or for more information Columbiabasin.edu/Planet.

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Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Teacher Education, Project Management, and Community Health. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.