Clark College Grants Tenure to 14 Educators

For Immediate Release
June 6, 2025

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College Board of Trustees unanimously granted tenure to 14 outstanding educators. These newly tenured faculty members are:

Tenure is awarded by the college's board of trustees based on professional excellence and outstanding abilities in their disciplines. The granting of tenure is based on the recommendations of tenure review committees to the Vice President of Instruction, which are then forwarded to the President, who presents a final recommendation to the board of trustees. Recommendations are based on self-evaluations, tenure review committee evaluations, student evaluations, supervisory evaluations, and peer evaluations. The final decision to award or withhold tenure rests with the board of trustees.

About Educators

Mohammad (Giga) Alqeeq, Cyber Security

Giga has worked in the information security field for over 18 years, including software development and security. After taking time to travel, Giga came to the United States, where he earned his associate's degree in information technology from Everett Community College. This led him to his work in malware analysis and security research while also teaching computer science at Everett. He also runs his own company, QeeqBox, which creates advanced tools and resources that help organizations improve their digital security.
As an instructor at Clark College, Giga helped build the Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Cybersecurity program and created workshops centered on online privacy and security. Despite his extensive experience in the field, he leaves his ego at the door, truly honoring and highlighting the contributions of all his students. Giga's teaching philosophy is to use varying approaches so that students can choose what works best for them.

Halina Brant-Zawadski, Nursing

Halina earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lewis and Clark College, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Washington. After an extensive history working as a research assistant, registered nurse, and professor at medical centers, hospitals, and colleges across the region, she started in her current position at Clark College in 2022.Bringing a wealth of knowledge to her theory and clinic work at Clark, Helina focuses on trauma responsive education, addressing stress management, equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care with her students. Always going above and beyond, she is a calm, approachable resource for students.

Jay Fancher, Anthropology

Jay earned an associate's degree from North Seattle Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Film from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Washington State University. With 20 years of teaching experience across the Pacific Northwest, Jay is the true embodiment of an anthropologist. Jay's journey at Clark College began in 2014 as an adjunct professor. In 2019, he stepped in as the interim Chair of Anthropology with no guarantee of a permanent position, simply because he cares about this work. When he shares with students his fascination with things like mysterious fossils and lost civilizations, he teaches them practical life skills: curiosity, critical thinking, cultural relativism, and empathy. Jay's teaching reflects the college's mission for DEI; he invites students to step beyond their own worldview and biases and see those with different perspectives with respect.

Brandon Johnson, Automotive

Brandon earned an Associates of Occupational Studies and Associates of Applied Technologies from Universal Technical Institute, along with certifications as a 609 mobile air conditioning technician and Department of Ecology emissions specialist and completed factory technical training from three auto manufacturers. With experience working as a master technician for Subaru and Ford and a technician for General Motors, Brandon brings 23 years of field experience to Clark.

Although new to formal teaching, Brandon has a natural talent and heart for mentoring. By creating a safe environment for his students to ask questions, he shows the care and attentiveness he has to them. Recognizing that the struggle of problem-solving is crucial in the automotive field, he finds the right timing when offering guidance so that students are eager to learn. Brandon often shares stories about his experience in the field that emphasizes the concepts students are learning, creating impactful, real-world examples.

Molly Lampros, Communications

Molly earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Psychology and a Double Master of Science in Communication Studies and Conflict Resolution from Portland State University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in English and Pedagogy from Pacific University. Molly worked for the Rotary Club of Portland, the City of Beaverton, and the Oregon Restaurant Association before moving into education, beginning with Scappoose High School. Before joining Clark College 15 years ago, she was a professor at Portland State University and the Oregon Institute of Technology. Molly is a masterful curriculum designer and focuses on building relationships with her students. After completing significant research on trauma-informed teaching practices, she implemented what she learned in her own classroom. She believes in an equitable, discussion-based, student-centered learning environment in which all opinions are considered.

Teresa Lashchuk, Nursing

Teresa earned an Associate of Arts in Nursing from Palomar College in San Marcos, California, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in nursing, advanced population health, and education from Washington State University. She brings over thirty years of clinical experience to Clark, with additional focuses in surgical, oncology, and neuro. Since joining the Clark faculty in 2011 as an adjunct nursing instructor, Teresa has made major contributions to the school and community. She encourages critical thinking skills through empowerment and promotes inclusion, which enables learners to feel supported and safe. Students appreciate her relevant curriculum, as she brings real-world situations to her courses.

Josephine (Josie) Lesage, Environmental Science

Josie earned a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology from the University of California in Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from the University of California in Santa Cruz. With field experience as an ecologist at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Josie brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Clark College. She's contributed to her department since her first day in the role, becoming a major player in helping Clark's science program grow.

Josie creates excitement about the natural world for her students and believes that the best learning happens outdoors. As an organized, passionate, and kind instructor, her students walk away from her lessons with a deeper appreciation of the patterns that govern life on our planet. By using active learning, group work, and check-ins to help students develop learning strategies and develop a growth mindset, Josie truly fosters curiosity in her students.

Brian Miyake, Surveying and Geomatics

Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wyoming. He began teaching as an adjunct instructor at Clackamas Community College after years of experience in the surveying and mapping field, having risen through the ranks to become the Vice President of Operations for i-TEN Associates with a focus on land management mapping. Brian has made significant contributions to his department, both in academics and in community presence. He creates strong connections with regional surveying professionals and is a dedicated advisor to his students. This year, he guided his students to the National Society of Professional Surveyors 24th Annual Student Competition in Washington DC, where they won first place – an impressive testament to Brian's leadership. With a commitment to meeting students where they are, he uses culturally responsive teaching methods to provide transformative education and takes the time to help students learn complex topics.

Victor Morales, Philosophy

Victor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Political Science. Through over a decade as an instructor at Oxnard Community College, Ventura Community College, and the University of California in Riverside, he has built a reputation as a mentor who creates spaces for students to share their lived experiences. Victor continued that mission at Clark, where he created and mentors the Philosophy Club for students. As an instructor, Victor is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, accounting for diverse backgrounds and learning styles in his pedagogical strategies. By including role-playing exercises, group work, and simulations to promote critical thinking, he provides students a safe platform to share their opinions.

Jesse Morse, English

Jesse earned a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College, a Master of Fine Arts from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and a Ph.D. in English and Creative Writing from the University of Denver. He started his journey as a literature and writing instructor at Clark in 2018.

Every year with his wife and fellow instructor, Jennifer Denrow, Jesse co-directs Clark's annual Spring Writing Workshop, bringing together and inspiring a community of writers. He is also the author of Flash Floods are Anomalies, a collection of poems published by Finishing Line Press in 2021. At the center of Jesse's teaching are equity and cultural inclusiveness. Through a student-centered approach to instruction, he creates a classroom where students of all ethnicities, backgrounds, and abilities feel brave and vulnerable enough to engage deeply in learning.

Janine Rieck, Health Information Management

Janine earned an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology from Central Oregon Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from the University of Cincinnati, and, while completing the tenure process at the same time, she also earned a Master of Science in Health Information management from the Southern New Hampshire University. With over a decade of experience in the medical field, including as a coder, auditor, instructor, and manager of regulatory review and training, Janine's proactive work ethic made her the perfect fit for Clark when she began as an adjunct professor in 2018.

Janine's philosophy of providing consistent support to her online classes creates an accessible and equitable environment. She builds her courses to provide an online learning experience that is equivalent to or surpasses the in-class experience, including intuitive videos, tips, tricks, and how-to instructions for students to ensure they always feel included and part of a community. Janine is highly driven and established a health information management club for students, encouraging them to give back to their community.

Natasja Swartz, Chemistry

Natasja earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California in Santa Barbara before completing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Portland State University, where she led research efforts for an academic-museum-industry collaboration that culminated in her dissertation on how protective coatings break down over time and the creation of an eco-friendly material that protects large bridges and sculptures. Natasja was an instructor at Reed College, Western Washington University, and Pacific University, and she was recognized by students with an outstanding teaching award as an adjunct professor at Portland State University.

Natasja's curriculum celebrates the whole learner by removing impediments to success. She uses best practices from chemical education research blended into a cultural heritage framework to teach complex and interdisciplinary science. Known for her compassion and strong commitment to creating a supportive environment, Natasja pushes her students to think outside the box.

Cydney Topping, English

Cydney earned a Bachelor of Arts in English-Discourse Studies from Eastern Oregon University and a Master of Arts in Writing and Publishing from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She has been an instructor at community colleges for her entire career while also stepping into roles such as advisor, tutor, and high school ambassador, helping her learn the multi-faceted ways in which the community supports students. Her journey at Clark began in 2015, where she now teaches all levels of compositions, American literature, and creative writing courses.

With the goal of helping students find the magic and joy of learning, Cydney designs her courses with intention, ensuring her students see their experiences reflected in the curriculum. An enthusiastic and creative team member, she also serves on the department committee tasked with redesigning Clark's literature curriculum to reflect student-centered courses. She hopes to be a mentor for her students, cheering them forward on their educational journey.

Gibran Zogbi, Accounting

Gibran holds a Bachelor of Science from Miami University, a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University, and a Doctor of Business Administration from George Fox University. With experience in accounting and finance for companies such as Safeco and Progressive, supporting two successful start-up companies, and teaching at George Fox University, Washington State University, and Warner Pacific University, Gibran is an asset to the accounting team at Clark.

As the ultimate team player, Gibran is always available to help students and colleagues, who appreciate his enthusiasm, responsiveness, and the energy he brings to the classroom. He is committed to promoting virtue in his teaching by encouraging students to be the best version of themselves. His teaching style often goes beyond accounting, forging character in the classroom as he emphasizes to students that the kind of person they become is more important than what they do or have.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately half of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.

About Clark College Board of Trustees

Appointed by the Governor of Washington, the Clark College Board of Trustees consists of five members who serve a five-year term and must live in the college's service district. The Board seeks to ensure the quality and relevance of college programs and provide stewardship of public resources. In this role, the Board is responsible for strategic planning; development and approval of college policies; and approval and oversight of the operating budget. The Board of Trustees meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Learn more about Clark College Board of Trustees

For additional information (media inquiries & hi-res photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
Phone: 360-992-2243 | Email: mhefflin@clark.edu
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