evergreen

Olympia – For the first time in years, The Evergreen State College expects a larger entering class as teaching starts today at the college’s Olympia and Tacoma campuses.  
 
This year's entering class grew by 14%, the largest proportional increase since 2000. This larger entering class halts recent enrollment losses at the college, including smaller entering classes during the last two years of COVID. The final tally will be taken after day 10 of fall quarter. 
 
“As we emerge from the pandemic, we find that students want the kind of education that Evergreen provides more than ever. Evergreen offers an affordable, flexible education, where students work closely with faculty and with each other to achieve their goals,” said Evergreen President Dr. John Carmichael.  
 
Executive Vice President Dr. Dexter Gordon attributed part of the enrollment turn-around to a dedicated admissions team, a range of initiatives, and an innovative partnership between staff and the college’s faculty union. In addition, Evergreen launched new certificate programs in its school for Professional and Continuing Education geared towards adult learners, and a new Early Childhood Education program at the Tacoma campus. A new scholarship to encourage former students who have yet to complete their degree was also added. “Evergreen took an all-hands-on-deck approach to new student recruitment where nearly 50 faculty, administrators, and even college board of trustees members partnered together to work directly with students and guide them through the admissions process,” said Dr. Gordon. 
 
“The team met hundreds of students in one-on-one meetings that were exciting and enjoyable. We approached each student as an individual and showed them how Evergreen practices education. Evergreen respects students by trusting their curiosity. That trust, combined with individual attention, makes all the difference,” said faculty initiative leaders Dr. Nancy Koppelman and Dr. Bradley Proctor.  
 
“This collaboration demonstrated what can be done when faculty and college staff partner together for the benefit of students. As such, this teamwork will continue as the college ramps up for its next recruitment cycle,” added Gordon.  
 
A year ago, Evergreen embarked on a new leadership model which put Carmichael and Gordon at the helm as president and executive vice president to co-lead the college. In the past month, Washington Monthly’s national magazine ranked Evergreen No. 1 for contributions to the public good among more than 600 colleges and universities. The U.S. Department of Education also recently awarded the college a $2.1 million Title III grant to increase access and success for students. 
 
 
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OLYMPIA – This week, the U.S. Department of Education awarded more than $2 million in Title III grant dollars to The Evergreen State College for its Strengthening Institutions Program.  

The grant money funds a five-year project that will continue Evergreen’s work to increase college capacity in student access and success for historically underserved students through holistic advising and coordinated wrap-around services. The funding will also help leverage technology to strengthen Evergreen’s student support services and expand community- and career-connected learning.  

“Evergreen’s vibrant, cross-divisional collaborations were critical to designing and securing this exciting grant,” explained Dr. Therese Saliba, Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence & Student Success. “Many thanks to all the Evergreen faculty and staff who helped envision what proactive, holistic support for our diverse students could look like. We are excited to move forward to fully support our students both personally and holistically.” 

“The Evergreen State College was created to bring affordable, world-class education to everyone – especially those who are typically underserved by higher education,” said  Executive Vice President, Dr. Dexter Gordon. “This federal funding is an investment in Evergreen so we can expand student support thus enabling them to focus on their educational success.” 

Evergreen will also use the funding to create an early alert system that will identify students who are struggling and provide them with the resources they need to get back on track.  

“This is Evergreen’s first Title III grant award and will help us in our ability to identify and support students in need and provide tools for faculty and staff to ensure that all roads lead to student success,” explained Gordon.  

For more information about The Evergreen State College, please visit evergreen.edu and to learn more about student success initiatives, please visit the college’s Inclusive Excellence and Student Success webpage.  

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OLYMPIA – The Evergreen State College has earned the top spot ranking by Washington Monthly in their 2022 University Rankings. 

Since 2005 Washington Monthly has ranked four-year, liberal arts colleges based on their contributions to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service. 

“This first-place ranking by Washington Monthly in our category includes more than 600 colleges and universities around the country. It celebrates how Evergreen’s learning model is grounded in values of service, community, social responsibility,” said Evergreen President, Dr. John Carmichael. “Our faculty are committed to teaching students problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate tough issues through respectful and thoughtful discourse to be of service to our communities.” 

Evergreen is about collaboration and collective problem solving while bolstering access to a dynamic learning model, especially for populations who have historically been excluded from higher education. “This recognition shows that Evergreen’s approach to learning works for students, for their families, and for the communities they are part of", added Carmichael. 

 “Washington has some of the best public colleges in the country,” said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “The Evergreen State College’s number one spot is no surprise to those of us who know just how dedicated the college’s students, educators and staff are. This is a well-deserved recognition of the opportunity Washington’s students have to receive top-notch higher education that includes academic offerings dedicated to public good.”

Over the decades, Evergreen’s graduates have done amazing things. They have contributed to groundbreaking research, become industry leaders, teachers, public servants, policy experts and successful entrepreneurs. 

Evergreen also landed the #15 spot on Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for the Buck Colleges” list. 

For more information on how you can take the next step in your career path by earning your degree at Evergreen, visit www.evergreen.edu Check out Evergreen’s new Professional and Continuing Education certificate offerings and graduate programs too. 

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OLYMPIA — The Evergreen State College will host several info sessions on the new lineup of certificates being added to the list of offerings this fall.

The certificate programs are designed to help individuals build skills in growing fields such as:
•    Business and administration
•    Integrated computer science
•    Environmental solutions
•    Interdisciplinary art, media and design

The first information session is scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 30 and other sessions are scheduled in both August and September. 

“Our mission is to provide transformative education to professionals by combining theory with practice as they continue to develop more skills and competencies,” said Evergreen’s Board of Trustees’ chair Karen Fraser. “Through these new offerings, students will be able to advance in their careers and create a better world.” 

The certificates are the first in a series of new credentials at Evergreen that will roll out over the next few years. All the offerings aim to give students hands-on experience in their field and provide an accessible, affordable and practical way to build new skills.

The college, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, continues to provide bachelor’s and master’s degrees in addition to the new certificates.

Learn more about certificates at Evergreen by attending an upcoming info session.
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OLYMPIA — The Evergreen State College proudly announces the governor's appointment of Joshua Coetzee, an international student from South Africa and Senior, as the newly appointed Student Trustee. Coetzee brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to student governance and campus involvement.

Joshua is an active member of the Evergreen community, serving as a Resident Assistant and a member of the Geoduck Student Union and the Services & Activities Board. He is also a student-athlete on the men's soccer team, further solidifying his dedication to leadership and teamwork.

"I am honored to serve as the Student Trustee at Evergreen," said Coetzee. "I am passionate about servant leadership and student governance. I want to foster stronger connections among student leaders and get more students involved in supporting college activities and sporting events."

Coetzee's academic interests include Team Leadership, Business Leadership and Computer Science. He also hopes to use his platform as a Student Trustee to advocate for the international student community, encouraging more students worldwide to attend Evergreen. "I want to help create a truly global community here at Evergreen and add to the diversity that makes our campus so unique," he said.

Evergreen is proud to have Coetzee join the Board of Trustees as the student representative. His commitment to leadership and fostering a stronger sense of community will be invaluable as the college continues to provide a world-class education in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

TACOMA – The Evergreen State College will continue celebrating the long life of its Tacoma campus founder, Dr. Maxine Mimms, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Evergreen’s Tacoma campus will be hosting a, “Give Back,” event on Saturday, Oct. 26 to honor Dr. Mimms and to help carry out her legacy of providing community to those often left behind. Community members are invited to come to the campus and remember the legacy of Dr. Mimms and celebrate the community that is Evergreen Tacoma from 3 to 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Mimms became a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College in 1972. She started teaching working adults college-level coursework at her kitchen table in the historic Hilltop neighborhood and it was at that table where Evergreen’s Tacoma Campus was born.

Evergreen-Tacoma became an official campus for The Evergreen State College in 1982 and in 2001, it moved to its current location at 1210 6th Avenue.

Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners – especially those living in the inner city.

“This is a historic moment and pivotal loss for the Evergreen community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen President. “If you know or have known Evergreen in the past over 50 years, you know about Dr. Maxine Mimms. We were so lucky to have had her as an inspiration and leader. She built a strong foundation for not just the college but for her community and we will continue as a college to build upon that, especially at Evergreen Tacoma.”

"While we deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Mimms, she truly embodied the spirit of community. Her vision to transform the lives of those around her is inspiring, and our sorrow turns to joy as we celebrate her life and legacy," said Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of The Evergreen State College. "Her life’s mission was to break down educational and economic barriers, making college accessible to learners who have historically been left behind."

“Her work has resulted in college degrees for thousands who have walked through the doors of Evergreen, Tacoma,” shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean for Evergreen, Tacoma. “The faculty and staff strive daily to continue her legacy to the students of Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and the Hilltop community.”

In 2020, The Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms Scholarship was established to support students at Evergreen Tacoma, with an emphasis on non-traditional, low-income students. This

scholarship continues Dr. Mimms’ work of making a college education accessible to all. This scholarship is endowed and will continue in perpetuity, ensuring that Dr. Mimms’ legacy lives on. If you are interested in giving to the scholarship or to learn more, please visit Evergreen’s website.

A celebration honoring Dr. Mimms is planned as part of Evergreen Tacoma’s Founder’s Day celebration in March 2025.

OLYMPIA—The Evergreen State College is proud to announce increased student enrollment for the fourth consecutive fall.

Despite challenges faced by students nationwide — from financial aid issues to ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 on learning — Evergreen continues to thrive as a beacon of innovation and community. As of Day 10, of the Fall 2024 quarter, Evergreen’s undergraduate enrollment is up to more than 2500 students, reflecting an 8 percent increase over the previous year’s numbers. The college has seen an especially significant increase in undergraduate enrollment, adding approximately 400 new students to the Evergreen community over the past three years.

Evergreen’s President, Dr. John Carmichael, attributes this success to the college’s unique learning environment and the dedication of its faculty and staff:

“This sustained growth demonstrates the powerful draw of Evergreen’s interdisciplinary, hands-on learning approach, which empowers students to take ownership of their education and emerge as changemakers in their communities. The Evergreen community has worked tirelessly to recover from the challenges of the pandemic and to emerge stronger and more committed than ever to our mission. Our staff and faculty deserve tremendous credit for their resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of our students.”

Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of Evergreen, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the role that leadership, collaboration, and creativity have played in sustaining Evergreen’s growth:

“The consistent increase in enrollment is a testament to the vision and hard work of our faculty, staff and leadership across the Olympia and Tacoma campuses. We have fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity, which resonates with students looking for an educational experience that prepares them to address real-world challenges. We’re incredibly proud of the Evergreen legacy and the continued efforts to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and collaborators.”

Evergreen’s enrollment growth comes at a time when many institutions are grappling with lower student numbers, particularly as students continue to face challenges with FAFSA, financial aid, and recovering from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Evergreen’s model — focused on interdisciplinary, experiential learning and fostering a deep sense of community — continues to attract students seeking an education that prepares them to make meaningful contributions to society.

With new students joining Evergreen’s undergraduate and graduate programs, the college is looking ahead to a bright future, knowing that those who cross the graduation stage will carry Evergreen’s spirit of change-making and collaboration into their communities and the world.

For more information on The Evergreen State College and its unique approach to education, visit www.evergreen.edu.

Daniel J. Evans passed away at his home on Friday evening, September 20th,with family nearby. Dan was a prominent figure in the history of Evergreen and was a dear friend to the college at times when it needed help. He was the Governor who signed the legislation that created the college in 1967 and was among those who recognized that the creation of a new college presented an opportunity to fundamentally re-think higher education and design a truly innovative institution.

Dan became the college’s President in 1977 at a time when enrollment was declining and the political pressure on the college was intense. During his tenure, the college’s reputation and enrollment rebounded. He left the college to join the United States Senate in 1983, but never stopped serving as an advocate and friend of the college. His contributions to the college are memorialized in the naming of Evans Hall, one of the centerpieces of Evergreen’s Olympia campus, a building that houses the college’s Evans Library, the Art Gallery, and many of our student services offices. The college is proud to have a prominent building that bears the name of Dan Evans.

I learned of Dan’s passing on Saturday, when Dan’s son sent a message to let the college know.  By a strange coincidence, when the message arrived, I was standing in the lobby of Evans Hall, where Kayla Mahnke, Director of Student Activities and New Student Programs, was speaking to a group of new Evergreen students and families, telling them how Evans Hall had got its name.  Dan Evans leaves a legacy of principled public service.  Let us all work to ensure that his example is long remembered.

John Carmichael, President
The Evergreen State College

Read more in the Seattle Times: 5 lasting legacies of Dan Evans, a towering WA governor and US senator.

Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of The Evergreen State College, has been recognized with multiple honors over the past year for his unwavering commitment to community and his efforts to remove barriers to higher education. These accolades underscore his dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

This past year at The Evergreen State College has been marked by significant challenges, including the tragic death of student, Jonathan Rodriguez from carbon monoxide poisoning in campus housing and the presence of an encampment on campus in protest to the war in the Middle East. During these difficult times, Dr. Gordon played a pivotal role in supporting the college community. He met with students, listened to their concerns and facilitated open dialogues between the administration and the student body. His compassionate leadership and commitment by addressing issues head-on have been instrumental in helping the college navigate these trying circumstances.

In May, Dr. Gordon received the prestigious award from the Old Harbour and Friends, an organization serving the Jamaican Diaspora in New York. This honor recognizes native Jamaicans who have made contributions to their communities and demonstrated outstanding leadership. The Old Harbour Diaspora praised Dr. Gordon for his dedication to education and his continued work in Jamaica – being a huge advocate for community activism in Old Harbor Bay including being a part of the Old Harbour Bay Home Coming Committee, a group that seeks to highlight the worth and work of the people from Jamaica’s largest fishing village. The Mayor of New York provided an accompanying citation acknowledging Dr. Gordon’s international contribution including noting that “Through his work, he has focused on providing opportunities for students, many of whom, like him, are the first generation in their families to attend college.”

Last year, Dr. Gordon was also recognized by the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation, in Jamaica, for his tireless work for his decades of work in the Old Harbor Bay community and surrounding areas. He received this honor, fittingly, on National Heroes Day. He was honored for, “being a true hero, one who works tirelessly, often without his cape.”

The recent honors of Dr. Gordon serve as a testament to his impact and positive change he has brought to every organization he works with. His dedication to community, education and inclusivity continue to inspire and influence Evergreen and the broader community. 

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On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, our students began forming the Evergreen Gaza Solidarity Encampment on Red Square on the Olympia Campus. As part of an agreement with the college, students ended the encampment on Wednesday, May 1. I heard impassioned calls from students to issue a statement on the college’s position regarding the catastrophe in Gaza. As part of the agreement reached between students representing the encampment and college administrators, I agreed to make this statement.

Like many, I am horrified and grief-stricken by the violence and suffering being inflicted due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I mourn the destruction of universities and hospitals, the killing of journalists, and want to see the release of prisoners being held without due process. I wish to see an end to the violence and restoration of international law, including respect for the March 25, 2024, United Nations resolution that called for a lasting, sustainable ceasefire honored by all parties, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, expanded humanitarian assistance, and the protection of civilians. Restoration of international law also requires that the International Court of Justice fairly adjudicate charges of genocide.

I share these thoughts as a member of this academic community, and I urge each of us to learn about the history of the conflict, the current conditions in Gaza and to speak about what we learn. Given the role that United States arms play in the conflict, we can do no less. Evergreen’s Evans Library maintains resources for more learning.

Beyond our individual responsibilities, Evergreen has responsibilities as an institution. In a time of war, the search for knowledge is more important than ever. Teaching and learning require an environment that values free expression and the open exchange of ideas. The encampment at Evergreen is a powerful example of what peaceful free expression can look like. Defending space for free expression is a core responsibility of the college. Alongside this is the responsibility to provide for the safety of our entire campus community.

The agreement we reached brought an end to the encampment and marks the beginning of a new phase of work. You can find the full text of the agreement on our website here. Taking demands for divestment and alternative models of crisis response seriously requires that we grapple with the complexity inherent in these subjects, so we are now beginning a set of deliberative processes where we can educate ourselves and each other to ultimately produce specific, actionable proposals.

For this work to be successful in creating positive change, we will need more than free expression. Free expression is rarely an end in itself. In an academic institution, free expression is a necessary condition in the quest for knowledge. Beyond free expression, we need the capacity to listen to each other, embrace inconvenient complexity, and welcome other points of view. Let us be especially on guard against Islamophobia and antisemitism as we engage with each other in this moment.

I am deeply grateful to the students, faculty, and staff who helped the college navigate the past weeks with integrity and fidelity to our mission. They fill me with hope for the work ahead.