State of the College 2026
Dr. Edwards highlights the college’s resilience, growth, and impact on students and the community
Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards delivered the annual State of the College address on March 12 in Gaiser Student Center. The address provided an opportunity to share the progress and challenges from the past year, and to reflect on the vision that guides the college forward. The room was full of students, faculty, staff, and community partners who were excited to celebrate Clark’s achievements.
The theme of the day was resiliency. Throughout the address, Dr. Edwards highlighted the many ways Clark's strength and growth impact student success and the broader Southwest Washington community. She introduced the “Resiliency by Design” framework adopted by the American Association of Community Colleges, which challenges institutions to intentionally design systems, partnerships, and leadership practices that allow colleges to adapt to change while strengthening student success and community impact.
“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,” she said.
Pictured (L to R): PTK Chapter President Lindsey Quiroz, Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards, and ASCC President Alijah Machida
Alijah Machida, president of the Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC), reported on student participation in college clubs and ASCC’s efforts to support student connection and increase engagement in on-campus activities. This year, Clark clubs have grown from four chartered clubs to 21, with four more in the chartering process.
“Seeing students discover a club and become involved on campus reminds us why this work matters,” Alijah said. “It’s about more than events or programs — it’s about guiding students as they find community, develop leadership, and gain confidence to take the next steps."
In an emotional speech that earned her a standing ovation, PTK Chapter President Lindsey Quiroz shared her experience of re-enrolling at Clark. She is currently pursuing a career in medicine after facing personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and credits the support of her professors and mentors in PTK for helping her continue her educational journey.
Lindsey ended her speech with a call to action: “To our faculty and staff — please continue to engage with our students. Learn our names. Ask about our goals. Encourage us when we doubt ourselves. Your words can change a life.”
During her speech, Lindsey also announced that Dr. Edwards has been named the recipient of PTK’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, which honors college presidents who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to student success through academic excellence, leadership development, and access to opportunity. On behalf of Clark’s Alpha Sigma Phi chapter, Lindsey was one of Dr. Edwards’ nominators for the award, making this announcement especially meaningful.
When Dr. Edwards took the stage, she shared perhaps the biggest news of the day — Clark’s official reaccreditation was reaffirmed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). We were commended for the strength of our student onboarding experience, our outstanding tutoring program, and a campus culture deeply committed to student belonging, achievement, and success.
She thanked Dr. Cecelia Martin and the accreditation team for leading this work, and the entire Clark community whose efforts help ensure that students are supported from their first day on their Clark’s student journey through graduation.
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 in November.
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. 1,602 of those students made the Vice President’s List with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Additionally, 700 students are members of Clark’s PTK, which was recently named a 2025 REACH Chapter. This distinction recognizes chapters that excel in membership development, reinforcing the strength of our honor society program.
Clark launched several new programs, driven by community needs and workforce demands as we stay responsive to emerging workforce needs while preparing students for evolving industry careers.
This year, the college launched its Surgical Technician program — the first of its kind in Southwest Washington — with a full cohort and a current waitlist of 70 for the fall term. Clark also introduced its first Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science to help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled technology professionals.
Dr. Edwards noted that growth like this reflects the college’s continued commitment to designing programs that help students adapt to an ever-changing world. “These kinds of hands-on experiences prepare students for careers in many of Southwest Washington’s high-growth fields,” she said.
The Advanced Manufacturing program also welcomed its first cohort in the fall, and in January, we celebrated the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms. A new Construction Management program is in the approval stage, and we’re looking to add additional programs in Clean Energy, Machining, and Radiologic Technology.
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.
Clark also 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, Dr. Edwards shared, Clark activities contributed $656 million in income in 2023-24—that means about one out of every 40 jobs in the region is supported by the college’s activities and students. 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.
During Dr. Edwards’ speech, Oswald joined her on stage, along with Mechatronics student Ryker and a robot he helped design and build to improve efficiency and safety in the workplace. The robot presented Dr. Edwards with a pastry made by Clark’s baking students — a preview of the refreshment audience members enjoyed after the address.
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.
“Clark College is resilient by design,” she said. “We are here for you. Thank you for being here with us.”
Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley — see all photos from the event on Flickr
Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing