Clark College Address Highlights Achievements, Challenges, And Regional Impact At The 2026 State Of The College Address (Photo) - 03/13/26
Vancouver, Wash. — Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards delivered the annual State of the College address on March 12 in Gaiser Student Center. The address provides an opportunity to share the progress, challenges, and vision guiding the college forward, offering an overview of the institution’s current priorities, student success initiatives, financial outlook, and strategic direction. It brought together students, faculty, staff, elected officials, community partners, and education supporters to reflect on the college’s achievements and share its vision moving forward.
President Edwards highlighted the college’s resilience, growth, and impact on student success, workforce partnerships, and the broader Southwest Washington community. “Clark College remains true, steadfast, and unwavering in our mission to cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community that educates, elevates, and empowers individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Dr. Edwards said.
Alijah Machida, president of the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC), kicked off the event with a report on increased student participation in college clubs and ASCC’s efforts to increase student engagement in on-campus activities.
Lindsey Quiroz, a student and chapter president of Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, shared her experience of re-enrolling at Clark to pursue a career in medicine after facing personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. She credited the support of her professors and mentors in PTK for helping her continue her educational journey.
President Edwards began her address by sharing that the college’s official reaccreditation was reaffirmed from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This process occurs every seven years and recognizes educational institutions for performance, integrity, and quality across all areas of the institution. The college was commended for the strength of its student onboarding experience, its outstanding tutoring program, and a campus culture deeply committed to student belonging, achievement, and success.
Programs across campus have also been reaccredited by their respective accreditation commissions, including Addiction Counseling, Automotive, Dental Hygiene, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Pharmacy Tech, and Child & Family Studies. The Dental Hygiene program received the highest level of approval in its reaccreditation, and the Teacher Education program received its first full accreditation by the Professional Educator Standards Board last November.
Clark College continues to prepare students for in-demand careers. The college currently offers more than 100 degrees and certificate programs, including six bachelor's degrees in Applied Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Dental Hygiene, Human Services, and Teacher Education.
Enrollment has increased by 32% this academic year compared with 2024-25. Approximately 9,828 students enrolled during the fall and winter terms — the largest enrollment since the pandemic. 700 of those students are members of the PTK Honor Society, and 1,602 made the Vice President’s List with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
New programs and academic offerings are driven by community needs and workforce demands. This year, the college launched its Surgical Technician program — the first of its kind in Southwest Washington — with a full cohort and a waitlist for the fall term. Clark also launched its first Bachelor of Science degree in computer science to help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled technology professionals.
The Advanced Manufacturing program welcomed its first cohort in the fall and celebrated the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in January, a 49,000-square-foot facility offering an associate in applied science in Integrated Technician and certificate programs in Intro to Manufacturing and Manufacturing Operator. The college is also in the approval process for a Construction Management program and seeks to add additional programs in Clean Energy, Machining, and Radiologic Technology.
Community partnerships and philanthropy are essential in supporting student and college needs. President Edwards expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of the Clark College Foundation and its donors, which distributed $1.8 million in scholarships and grants and $5.1 million in total support to Clark College during the 2024-25 academic year. This allowed more than 700 students to receive direct financial assistance.
In addition, Clark has received over $10 million in federal, state, and local grants, contracts, and allocations. This includes a $78,000 Job Skills Program grant for the Continuing and Community Education program, which supports local manufacturing companies transitioning toward a culture of improvement and leadership development.
Clark College continues to play a significant role in the regional economy. According to a 2025 economic impact study, Clark contributed $656 million in income to the area in 2023-24 and supported 7,159 jobs—equivalent to one out of every 40 jobs in the region. The study also found that the college delivers $1 billion in social benefits, representing a strong return on investment for students, taxpayers, and the community.
Looking ahead, the college remains focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening workforce pathways, and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. Dr. Edwards thanked the Clark College community and its partners for their dedication and shared commitment to student success, noting that the college’s achievements reflect the strength of a community that believes deeply in the power of education.
About Clark College
Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education, serving almost 10,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education.
Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 47% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at additional instructional sites at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.
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