Highline will revert to original name; trustees vote to change college’s name

For the Reporter

The Highline Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday to change the name of Highline Community College, returning the institution to its original name of Highline College.

The name change will take effect July 1.

The board changed the college’s name to reflect state approval of four bachelor of applied ccience degree programs, slated to start this fall quarter. The B.A.S. degree programs provide the third and fourth years of college work for people who have completed a two-year technical degree. The four programs are cybersecurity and forensics, global trade and logistics, respiratory therapy, and youth development.

Highline College was established in 1961 as a “Community College serving the Highline area.” In 1967, the state Legislature passed the Community College Act of 1967, creating a statewide system for community colleges. With the passage of the act, Highline changed its name to Highline Community College.

In his presentation to the board, President Jack Bermingham said, “Students were at the core of the decision to change the name, as the community college title may disadvantage B.A.S. graduates in the job market.

“Changing the name will not change the mission,” he added. “Highline has, and will always be, an institution of higher education, focused on serving the educational needs of our local community.”

In making its decision, the board reinforced its commitment to the college’s mission to promote student engagement, learning, and achievement, while sustaining relationships within its communities.

“We want to put students in the best possible position when they earn credentials at Highline, both in terms of what they learn here and how their education is perceived by business and industry,” Board Chair Bob Roegner said. “We believe changing our name will benefit students.”