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Dr. Kerry Lynn Levett is a nationally recognized executive leader and strategist with over two decades of experience advancing student success and transformational change across higher education, particularly within the community college sector. As founder of Ascend Higher Educational Partners, she currently leads institutions through strategic planning, accreditation, enrollment management, and equity-centered redesign. Dr. Levett’s work empowers teams to build inclusive, resilient futures.

Dr. Levett previously served as Vice President for Student Learning and Success at Cascadia College. There, she successfully engineered a turnaround strategy that reversed a five-year enrollment decline, launched innovative workforce-aligned academic programs, and embedded equity into the institutional culture. Her leadership integrates data-informed decision-making, cross-functional governance, and collaborative action to drive measurable student and institutional outcomes.

Her influence extends to state and national advocacy. Dr. Levett has successfully led statewide commissions for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and served as a leader for the Oregon and SUNY communities. She also held a six-year national board role with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, where she championed gender equity and professional development for emerging leaders. Locally, she has served as a chamber of commerce member, strengthening business and community partnerships critical to a college's mission.

A scholar-practitioner leader with a Doctor of Education from Arizona State University, Dr. Levett brings a principled, systems-level approach to leadership. Her work is guided by the belief that visionary stewardship, principled action, and inclusive innovation are essential to transforming institutions and elevating the lives they serve.

Meet the Candidate: 

Tuesday, December 9

Teresa Rich currently serves as Interim President of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, bringing more than 24 years of progressive leadership within Washington State’s community and technical college system. She is recognized for advancing equity and student success through inclusive strategies, Guided Pathways, and holistic support services. Teresa has led multimillion-dollar capital projects, strengthened institutional infrastructure, and championed accreditation efforts that align with mission and values. Widely respected for her financial expertise, Teresa has successfully managed complex budgets and resource planning through economic cycles and funding shifts.

A committed collaborator, she fosters partnerships across industry, K-12, tribal communities, and workforce sectors to promote economic mobility and community vitality. She is passionate about cultivating a campus culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging and support. Beyond her professional role, she is an active community volunteer, a Rotary member, board member of Apprisen, and a mentor for emerging education leaders. Her dedication to service has earned her honors such as the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon Award for New Presidents and the NWCCU Service Appreciation Award.

Meet the Candidate: 

Monday, December 8