Leader Spotlight - Cathy Leaker

Name: Dr. Cathy Leaker, Ph.D.
Title: Vice President of Instruction

What do you do at EvCC?

I am the Vice President of Instruction. I oversee all our instructional programs, and I work closely with deans, department chairs and faculty members to ensure that everything in and around the classroom is working for every student at EvCC.

What is your favorite part of the job? 

I love that I work in an institution that is fully committed to educational equity and justice. I was at a statewide meeting earlier this week, and one of the speakers pointed out that Washington is one of the two or three states in the country where diversity, equity and inclusion are actually at the heart of what we do.

I have been an advocate of public education all my life, but I know that the higher education system does not work for everyone. I feel really lucky that I have the opportunity and the power to make changes, so that day by day, student by student, we get better at delivering the education and services that our students need and deserve.

What is the most exciting or inspiring thing you're working on right now?

Can I cheat and name two? 

Giving students credit for work and life experience: I'm excited about expanding and improving opportunities for students to earn academic credit for prior learning at EvCC. While many students come to us directly from high school or one of our dual credit programs, more and more students are over the age of 24, with significant work and life learning under their belts. If we can figure out how to award college credit for that learning, we can help those students graduate more quickly and at lower cost. Just as important, we can begin to change the way we think about learning — where it occurs, how it is recognized — in the 21st century.

EvCC’s exploratory pathway: I'm also excited about our newest educational pathway. While we recognize that it's important for students to have a clear focus and purpose, we also understand that not everyone knows exactly what they want to do the moment they set foot on campus (or click on our website). In addition to guiding and supporting students who are still unsure about the direction they want to take, the Exploratory Pathway will celebrate their curiosity and their desire to learn just a little bit more before making a commitment to one field of study.

What's the best-kept secret about Everett?

Before I moved out here from New York, I started researching Everett, and I thought it was incredibly cool that Everett is the home of Funko Pop. I still think that's incredibly cool (even if my partner won’t let me display my Funko Pop collection on our mantelpiece).