Saovra Ear Named Interim Vice President at Highline

Dr. Saovra “Sy” Ear has been appointed interim vice president at Highline College. He will oversee the college’s Student Services division.

The division supports student learning with a variety of services and programs to foster student access, retention and completion.

In a message to the campus community, Highline President John Mosby highlighted Ear’s passion and commitment to the community college mission of transforming lives and communities.

“He values inclusive excellence and collaboration in his efforts to create opportunities for all students to succeed,” Mosby said of Ear. “He brings a breadth of experience in leading and working with culturally diverse teams, overseeing all facets of student services, student support programs and strategic planning.”

Ear has spent close to two decades serving students in Washington’s community colleges.

Currently, he oversees the Enrollment and Entry Services areas at Edmonds Community College. He also served as interim vice president for Edmonds’ Student Services division.

Mosby noted that Ear has experience in developing and implementing effective organizational processes and innovative programs, which have increased student enrollment and completion while advancing equity and social justice.

“I look forward to his excellent leadership and advocacy for the Student Services division and entire campus community,” said Mosby.

A resident of Kent, Ear is already familiar with the South King County community. In addition to his work at Edmonds, Ear spent time at Green River College and at South Seattle College in a number of areas, including advising, ELL transition services and financial aid.

He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma and his master’s degree in student development administration from Seattle University.

Ear’s interim appointment will begin Nov. 26, 2018, and end Dec. 31, 2019. In the spring, the college will begin the search for a permanent replacement for Toni Castro, who left the position in September.

Learn More About Sy Ear

Originally from Cambodia, Sy Ear traces his passion for equity and social justice from his lived experience as a refugee, first-generation student and student of color:

I am a strong believer in the mission of community colleges to increase and promote equitable student success. I experienced education through the lens of a first-generation and low-income student. The experience of my family as refugees instilled the value of education as a way to move into the middle class.

As a student, I struggled to navigate the complexities of community colleges and universities. My experience as a student and professional shaped who I am today as an educational leader. I am deeply committed to social justice, equity and inclusion. Throughout my professional career, I have intentionally worked to increase access and success for students from traditionally underrepresented communities to promote college readiness, course completion, persistence and graduation.