On the evening of April 13, Edmonds Community College President Dr. Jean Hernandez announced her retirement from the prestigious office, a position she has held since 2011.

Dr. Hernandez made the announcement during a report to the college’s Board of Trustees at their monthly meeting in Gateway Hall.

Later that evening, she sent a personal email to staff and faculty, notifying them of her decision.

“I want to acknowledge that I have been very blessed to have served as president of this innovative and exceptional community college,” she wrote.

Dr. Hernandez submitted a letter of resignation to the Board at the meeting, describing her time at EdCC as the most rewarding experience of her 40-year career.

“Together, from the Trustees to all the employees at our college, we have made a huge impact on the lives of our students and our community,” Dr. Hernandez wrote. “I believe over 14,000 students have received their high school diplomas, workforce certificates and/or two-year degrees under my watch.”

Chair of the EdCC Board of Trustees, Carl Zapora, thanked Dr. Hernandez at the meeting for her service to the institution and the community. “The college is in excellent shape thanks to her many contributions and especially for her leadership in providing exceptional educational programs and building community partnerships.”

In an interview with The Triton Review, Vice President for College Relations and Advancement Dr. Tonya Drake spoke about working alongside Dr. Hernandez on a daily basis with a smile.

She described Dr. Hernandez as a servant leader who used her background in counseling to grow and nourish relationships between people in the institution.

“She was always very intentional about building relationships,” Dr. Drake said. “She’s really great at taking people and connecting them in common ways.”

Dr. Drake described the president’s leadership style as student-centric, whose actions informed colleagues of the college’s ultimate goal: student success. “The questions she asks, how she treats people, her decision making – it’s always around students.”

ASEdCC Executive Officer for Diversity Maria French told The Triton Review about Dr. Hernandez’ frequent presence at student events and activities.

“She was always willing to talk, and always able to remember your name,” French said. “I don’t know how she did it but she did!”

French also noted Dr. Hernandez’ commitment to student success and vocal support of LGBT and immigrant students.

According to Dr. Drake, the Board of Trustees has not determined what qualities or characteristics they desire in the next EdCC president. Through the month of May, the Board will conduct listening sessions across the campus to receive input on the search.

The Board plans to search nationally, and is exploring the possibility of using an independent search firm to help them locate qualified candidates.

The following is Dr. Hernandez’ official notice of retirement to the Board of Trustees, also included in the email to staff and faculty:

Dear Edmonds Community College Board of Trustees,

I want to thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as the President of Edmonds Community College, where Community is our middle name. I am submitting my notice of retirement to you, to be effective December 31, 2017. It is of the highest priority for me that the Board of Trustees have sufficient time to hire the next president.

This position has been the most rewarding experience of my entire career. Together, from the Trustees to all the employees at our college, we have made a huge impact on the lives of our students and our community. As a rough estimate, I believe over 14,000 students have received their high school diplomas, workforce certificates, and/or two-year degrees under my watch. We achieved this quality of student success because it was a team effort!

I also appreciate the Board of Trustees trusting me to lead our community college to the next level of exemplary performance. I maintain that I have the best Board of Trustees!! You are my mentors, confidantes, and friends. Thank you for your commitment to our students.

I wish to close by acknowledging that my success was achieved because of the many students, faculty, and staff who bring their hearts and souls to our institution each and every day wanting to make a difference. While we have made a tremendous difference, I am confident that the next president’s leadership and vision will further the college’s goals for increased student success.

Sincerely,

Jean Hernandez, Ed.D.

President