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President’s Message
Whether you’re preparing for a new job, beginning your college experience, or exploring a new passion in life, thank you for choosing Skagit Valley College.
Skagit Valley College is making a difference throughout our community by opening the doors to higher education for all who seek a better future. I am proud that we have created diverse learning environment where everyone is welcomed and valued. So, no matter what your background, skill level, or life experiences are when you begin your academic journey, you will receive the support you need to succeed.
In welcoming you to our campuses and centers, you will enter our doors with your own dream or goal. Perhaps it’s a goal of starting your first college experience and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. It may be a goal of becoming a skilled chef who prepares flavorful dishes with locally grown ingredients. Or, it may be a goal of becoming a teacher and role model in a new land, fulfilling your American Dream.
What makes our College special is that we are deeply committed to equity as our framework in providing access, supporting achievement, and strengthening community. With this focus, our faculty and staff will meet you where you are, and provide services, tools, and encouragement that build a sense of community, safety, and belonging. Touch points have been developed to help you every step of the way: from your initial inquiry to advising, registration, assessment and placement, first quarter experience, areas of study, degree maps and educational planning, and graduation.
As a proud SVC alum, I had excellent instructors, advisors, and coaches who guided and mentored me while I earned my Associate in Arts degree. The SVC community became the cornerstone of my college experience and it’s what inspired me to pursue a career in higher education. My hope is that your experience at SVC will be just as transformational as mine was for me.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, welcome to our community of learners. We look forward supporting your educational goals and celebrating your academic success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas A. Keegan
President, Skagit Valley College
Mission
Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.
Vision
The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:
- Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
- Our Guiding Principles;
- Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
- The development of our employees, and
- A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.
Guiding Principles
- Respect
- Integrity
- Open and Honest Communication
- Collaboration
- Compassion
A Quick Look at Skagit Valley College
Skagit Valley College is a public community college, operating under the supervision of a local Board of Trustees appointed by the governor. SVC’s district includes Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.
Accreditation
Skagit Valley College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558‐4224
www.nwccu.org
Brief History
Skagit Valley College (SVC), originally named Mount Vernon Junior College, began serving students in 1926 as an adjunct to Union High School in Mount Vernon. The name was changed to Skagit Valley Junior College in 1948, and in 1958 the present name was adopted. SVC has the proud distinction of being the second oldest community college in Washington state.
During the early years, classes were held on the top floor of the high school building. In 1955, a permanent site of 35 acres was purchased and a complex of six buildings was completed in 1959. Because of immediate increases in student enrollment, another 10 acres of land was purchased and a new Library building was constructed. Additional purchases of land have brought the total campus area in Mount Vernon to more than 110 acres.
Currently, SVC serves students at the Mount Vernon Campus in Mount Vernon and at the Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor. The college also operates two centers: San Juan Center in Friday Harbor and the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes.
Skagit Valley College Foundation
Since 1978, generous donors, enthusiastic alums, and dedicated volunteers have helped sustain and grow the SVC Foundation with their donations, talent, and insight to build one of the premier community college foundations in Washington. The SVC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists students with scholarships, emergency funds, and childcare vouchers, enhances innovative instruction, and supports campus development programs. A volunteer Board of Governors provides leadership to the SVC Foundation. To learn more about opportunities to support SVC programs and students, visit www.skagitfoundation.org or call 360.416.7717.
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