Long-time Clark College trustee retires

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2019

For additional information (media inquiries only):
Hannah Erickson, Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2954 E: herickson@clark.edu 

Royce Pollard stepping off Board of Trustees May 31

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College Board of Trustees Chair Royce Pollard is stepping off the Board of Trustees after serving three terms and most recently serving as board chair.

“Clark College is grateful to Royce Pollard for his service to the college and his many years of leadership and service to the community,” said Clark College President Bob Knight. Pollard submitted his resignation on Monday, May 20 to Washington Governor Jay Inslee. He says he needs to focus his attention on his family.

He adds that the timing is important: He wants the Governor to have time to make a new appointment and ensure the new trustee is fully involved in the search and selection process for the new college president in 2020.

Knight announced his retirement from Clark College effective this summer. The Board of Trustees will hire an interim president to serve in the role during the 2019-2020 school year, allowing them time to select a permanent president by summer 2020.

“We want a robust process that is inclusive and encourages community engagement,” said Trustee Paul Speer. “By appointing an interim for one year, we set aside the time that is needed for thoughtful deliberation to ensure we’re bringing the best-qualified candidate to lead Clark College.”

Pollard was first appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2010 and has served nine years on the board.

He served as Mayor of Vancouver, Washington from 1996 to 2010. He served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1961, including two years in the Vietnam War. His final post was as Commander of the Vancouver Barracks.

In 2010, he was honored as Clark County’s First Citizen. “Royce has a long record of service to our country, our community and our college,” said Knight. “He’s a steadfast and impassioned leader who has been instrumental in the growth of this community and this college. I think we all respect and honor his decision to put his family’s needs first.”

Vice Chair Jane Jacobsen will serve as Chair. The Governor’s office will initiate a process to appoint a new trustee to the five-person board which includes Jada Rupley, Rekah Strong and Paul Speer.

For more information about the appointment process, click on the Governor’s website: https://www.governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions.