Presidential Search

Looking for a Leader: A Unique Institution, a Unique Opportunity

Highline College is seeking a successor to its longtime president, Dr. Jack Bermingham, who retired in August 2017 after more than a decade of successful leadership. During that time, Highline’s honors included AACC’s Exemplary CEO/Board Award, recognizing an exemplary working relationship between the president and trustees.

Highline enjoys a distinctive location, both for its natural beauty and for the diverse region it serves. The main campus, located in the waterfront city of Des Moines, offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from a tree-filled 80-acre hillside.

From this scenic setting, the college serves a suburban region where countless cultures and over 130 languages are represented. With more than 70 percent students of color, Highline is the most diverse higher education institution in the state. Add to that a mix of some 800 international students each year and the campus represents a microcosm of the world.

The college’s globally focused environment for higher education provides a natural fit for its diverse community, an important reflection of its core values and a perfect complement to its prime location. Just 10 minutes from Sea-Tac International Airport and between the seaports of Seattle and Tacoma, Highline offers degrees and programs reflecting its global learning environment, including a four-year degree in Global Trade and Logistics, one of five applied bachelor’s degrees at the college. It is also home to the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management.

Highline’s global efforts meld seamlessly with its commitment to increasing diversity and educational and social justice equity, earning the college national recognition. Highline is a four-time winner of the HEED Award, the 2016 winner of the ACCT Equity Award for the Pacific Region and the 2014 winner of the AACC’s Award of Excellence for Advancing Diversity. Signature programs include AANAPISI, TPSID, Umoja, Puente, community college MESA and TRiO.

Founded in 1961 as King County’s first community college, Highline today serves 17,000 students (8,118 FTES) on a $44 million budget (2016–17).

Learn more about this unique institution and its students in the About Highline and Working at Highline sections below.

News and Announcements

Mosby Named President of Highline College

05/31/18: After a 10-month national search to find a new president, Highline’s Board of Trustees ended the month of May by announcing its selection.

3 Finalists Named for Highline College Presidency

05/09/18: Three finalists will bid to become Highline’s next president. Attend the open forums to learn about each candidate, May 14-16.

Looking for Values-Driven, Inspirational Leader

01/19/18: Highline is now accepting applications for its presidency. View the presidential profile and see who is helping with the presidential search.