It’s a sign of strength in any organization when a change in leadership does not coincide in a reduction in efforts or improvement.
That seems to be the case at our beloved local institution of higher learning, where facilities and educational offerings have continued to grow even with three different men occupying the president’s office in the past two years.
Jim Walton returned on an interim basis when Robert Frost was relieved of his contract by the Centralia College board of trustees. Now, with Bob Mohrbacher at the helm, the college continues a trend of the past several years — inspiring announcements of positive change.
On Wednesday, the college announced the addition of yet another bachelor’s degree, this time in the field of teacher education.
It adds to already available four-year degree options, including those focused on information technology and diesel technology.
As always, the new degree offers residents of Southwest Washington an opportunity to improve their station in life without traveling too far from home or spending the amount required at larger colleges and universities.
It brings to mind the words of Mohrbacher when speaking to The Chronicle earlier this year.
He stressed the important role community colleges play throughout the state, noting that by 2023, 77 percent of job openings in Washington will require some education beyond high school. One-third of those openings will be two-year degrees and one year certificates — two prerequisites that many community colleges offer.
He said another quarter of that number will require bachelor’s degrees, and with 40 percent of those being obtained from community colleges, the college has an important task to complete, he said.
“We have a huge role to play making sure people in our community are ready to be employed, that they have skills, and that they are full members of our community,” he said.
On that topic, it was inspiring to read all the names of the businesses and individuals who support vital scholarships at Centralia College in Tuesday’s editions of The Chronicle.
In all, more than $400,000 was dispersed at the annual celebration of the Centralia College Foundation. The money represents an investment in this community’s future. Collectively, those who support the scholarships are helping to facilitate the shaping of tomorrow’s leaders.
As the TransAlta Commons construction continues on campus, we’re proud of the continued rise of our local jewel in higher education.
