麻豆视频

麻豆视频 Interim President Teresa Rich highlighted the institution鈥檚 role in advancing quality of life and socioeconomic mobility in her State of the College address on October 27.

鈥淗ere at YVC, we take seriously our role as the cornerstone of post-secondary educational opportunity in our region. Three-quarters of our students are first-generation college students while two-thirds are from low-income households,鈥� Rich said in her remarks. 鈥溌槎故悠� is here to serve everyone. And in serving our students, we are opening the door to economic mobility to people throughout our service district.鈥�

Rich noted that YVC鈥檚 recent efforts to create more partnerships with the business community, non-profit organizations and other educational institutions are helping the college advance its mission.

鈥溌槎故悠碘�檚 partnerships with the education sector span from Pre-K providers to K-12 schools to 4-year institutions and beyond,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e work closely with medical providers to prepare the next generation of outstanding health care professionals. And our strong relationships with businesses, government agencies and non-governmental organizations are critical to building a strong workforce for our region.鈥�

One example Rich cited was YVC鈥檚 recent articulation agreements with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences that make it easier for students in central Washington to pursue careers in critical healthcare professions. She also noted a partnership between YVC, Yakima School District and Central Washington University to develop integrated, seamless and guaranteed pathways for high school students to earn postsecondary credentials. Ultimately that partnership will help more students in the Yakima Valley complete a postsecondary degree that is affordable, convenient and high quality.

Rich also highlighted the college鈥檚 ongoing initiative to re-envision its workforce education efforts and create greater capacity for YVC leaders to engage in economic development initiatives within the college鈥檚 service district of Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat counties.

鈥淔rom rapid technological changes such as artificial intelligence to demographic trends like an aging population, our college must be nimble in responding to the challenges and opportunities these and other changes pose,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淲e must prepare people for the jobs that will be needed here, not only today, but in the decades to come. When we do this, we will help ensure our region is a place that offers more economic opportunity, with communities that are diverse, vibrant and thriving.鈥�

While Rich noted uncertainty about some of the state and federal funding received by the college, she spoke about YVC鈥檚 work to adapt to challenges and secure its long-term financial sustainability. One such effort is YVC鈥檚 participation in the (CCA) national initiative to improve student success and close gaps in college access and completion.

鈥淏eing in the inaugural cohort of this initiative has given us access to the expertise of CCA staff and a nationwide network of 18 state partners and 100 colleges and universities,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淔aculty and staff across the college are building on our existing data and strategies to identify and implement research-based practices designed to significantly increase college completion on our campuses, particularly for students from historically underrepresented populations.鈥�

In concluding her remarks, Rich said YVC will continue building partnerships across early education, K-12, higher education, and the business and non-profit sectors to ensure every student has access to educational opportunity.

鈥淲ithin our own institution, that means bringing an attitude of servingness to our work every day,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淲e have already made significant progress toward this goal, yet there remains much work to be done. I am confident that our collective creativity and commitment to our work will allow us to navigate the uncertainty of the present moment and create a brighter future for everyone in the Yakima Valley.鈥�

Watch or read the State of the College address in its entirety on the YVC website.