HCC welcomes first vice president of people, culture, and equity
HOLYOKE – Holyoke Community College recently welcomed Marlowe Washington, Ed.D., D.Min., as its first vice president of people, culture, and equity.
In this executive-level position, Washington serves as a strategic partner to President George Timmons, the HCC Cabinet, and all campus constituencies to advance culture, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Washington comes to HCC following his work as the inaugural senior diversity officer at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, N.Y., where he oversaw the continuation of the university’s efforts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Washington recently moved to Springfield, Mass., but maintains a residence in Rochester, N.Y., where he is pastor of the Agape Fellowship United Methodist Church.
He started his position at HCC on Monday, July 8.
“I am here, first of all, because the president’s vision really resonated with me,” Washington said. “He said, ‘I want to save lives,’ and you don’t normally hear that from a college president. That’s not what they talk about. That was what sold me, because education is the great equalizer. It was for me in my personal life, as it was for President Timmons.”
Washington is a New York City native who grew up in the Bronx.
A first-generation college graduate, he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, N.Y., a master’s degree in divinity in urban ministry and planning from the New York Theological Seminary in Manhattan, N.Y., a doctorate in ministry from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, N.Y., in transformational leadership and cultural intelligence, and a doctorate in education from St. John Fisher University in executive leadership in higher education.
“I am very excited about the hiring of Dr. Washington as our inaugural vice president for people, culture, and equity,” said Timmons. “I am excited about this enthusiasm, his excitement to be part of our team, to be part of our mission and vision. Being a first-generation college graduate and understanding the population we serve is really important.”
In his role, Washington will oversee the Human Resources department, Title IX (federal prohibition against sex and gender discrimination), the college’s Affirmative Action officer and interim executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
He is married to Mira Washington, a human resources professional. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. His office on the fourth floor of the HCC Kittredge Center is already filled with photographs of family members and other young people whom he calls his “surrogate children.”
“They call me papa or dad or whatever,” he said. “I have a very strong relationship with them, and that’s what I love about higher ed, because it’s not just about educating, it’s developing relationships. Really, 90 percent of diversity, equity and inclusion is about building relationships and building social connection. That’s what I’m aiming to do here at HCC.”
Portland Community College announced that it has chosen Dr. Jennifer Ernst as its new Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), effective Sept. 1. Dr. Ernst is currently the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Yakima Valley College.
As the college’s
VPAA, Dr. Ernst will serve as the Chief Academic Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer for PCC. She will provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of educational programs, curriculum planning, including online learning, workforce development and continuing education. She will also oversee instructional support across PCC’s multi-campus system. The VP of Academic Affairs leads the comprehensive assessment program to ensure alignment with the college’s mission, values, and strategic plan, and serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Ernst replaces Dr. Katy Ho, who has become PCC’s Executive Vice President.
“I am delighted to join the team that is guiding Portland Community College through its 21st Century transformation,” said Dr. Ernst. “I look forward to building amazing learning opportunities for our Portland community in collaboration with our K-12 and industry partners and focusing on equitable student success for all PCC students.”
Dr. Ernst brings over 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership in higher education, coupled with a commitment to student empowerment. Her career began as an adjunct instructor at various institutions before she joined the tenure track at Henry Ford College. There, she served as a union leader on the AFT local executive board, department chair for English and Speech, and eventually became the inaugural Dean of the School of Liberal Arts following a major college reorganization.
At Yakima Valley College, Dr. Ernst has been instrumental in leading the Guided Pathways transformation, as well as overseeing strategic enrollment management, and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Her work has focused on fostering equitable student success through inclusive pedagogy and a pathways-based care team approach. She has successfully expanded partnerships with K-12 districts, local employers, and higher education institutions.
Notably, she facilitated a groundbreaking articulation agreement with Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine, enabling students to enter the dental school with an associate’s degree without needing a bachelor’s degree. Her efforts have also secured millions of dollars in state and federal grants to support student success.
Dr. Ernst serves on the Instruction Commission for the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and was recently elected as a Steering Team member for the commission. She is also a representative on the review team for state bachelor’s program authorization and Strategic Technology Advisory Committee.
A first-generation college student, Dr. Ernst completed her transfer studies at Glendale Community College in Arizona, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, her graduate degree from Duquesne University, and her Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
