This week, Clark College’s President Dr. Karin Edwards and many campus administrators, staff, and faculty stopped in at several college events, taking time to engage with students across campus. It’s no secret that interacting with students is one of her favorite parts of the job (as it is for many of us who work in education), and this past week has offered plenty of opportunities to do just that for everyone.
Every chance she gets, Dr. Edwards has been an active presence, listening, learning, and sharing in the Clark College experience. In the President’s Weekly e-bulletin for faculty and staff, she said, “I value every chance I get to spend time with students and to hear and learn from them.”
Sporting white trainers, here’s a look at a few places where she’s been spotted on campus this week:
At Brunch with the Bosses on February 26, Dr. Edwards walked around the Penguin Lounge (wearing her white trainers) and chatted with students who were eating fruit and yogurt cups and waffles adorned with dollops of whipping cream.
This ASCC event provides an opportunity for students to chat with Dr. Edwards, executive cabinet members, and several college deans, while competing in a game of Clark College trivia. All tables had at least one “boss” and a small group of students. Everyone seemed primed to win the competition.
Each table group chose their team’s name: Falcons, Happy Feet, Penguin Pals, Star, Explorations, ESL, and Ego. Contestants were not allowed to use their phones to research the answers. The competition began with Clark College trivia questions — do YOU know the answer to this one?
Q: What was the original name of Clark College?
- Vancouver Community College
- Vancouver Junior College
- Southwest Washington College
- Vancouver City College
After each question was asked, the room buzzed with teams trying to agree on their answer. Two teams tied for first place: Penguin Pals, Dr. Edwards’ team; and the Falcons, Dean of Student Engagement, Cath Busha’s team.
[Answer: B]
At the Students of Color Luncheon on February 6, Dr. Edwards (wearing her white trainers) sat at a table and ate lunch with the rest of the students, listening to the experiences of student speaker, Chishayla Kimmons. Dr. Edwards is a frequent attendee of the student luncheons, which are hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI).
Afterwards, she chatted with students and posed for photos with scholarship recipient Navjot Handal, student speaker Kimmons, and peer mentors.
Dr. Edwards was pleased to meet Kimmons, “who will graduate in June with degrees in business and marketing, shared her journey. After enrolling in several colleges, Chishayla found her place here at Clark. She expressed her appreciation for all the college has provided her.” Read more here.
At the Roots to Excellence High School Visit on February 20, Dr. Edwards delivered her welcome at Gaiser Student Center to Black students and students of African descent visited campus (yes, she was wearing her white trainers). She shared encouragement with the students, saying, “Make sure you know your history. You may not see it in books. Learn about yourself, your culture, and history and celebrate it.”
Dr. Edwards thanked ODEI “for coordinating and hosting this event… I am grateful to have been a small part of it.” Read more here.
At the Board of Trustees meeting on February 26, Dr. Edwards was excited to present the championship ring to Mia Beightol. Read more here.
In addition, Dr. Edwards announced that Clark’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter has been recognized with a 2024 REACH Award for its efforts in membership development. This award acknowledges the chapter’s excellence in welcoming new members and expanding access to PTK’s benefits, including scholarships, leadership opportunities, and academic recognition.
She thanked PTK advisor Darci Feider, and said, “We are proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who contributes to making our chapter a place of opportunity and success.”
At International Education Day on February 27, Dr. Edwards gave opening remarks (sporting the now-familiar white sneakers). One of the most popular annual events, it’s hosted by Clark’s International Programs, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Clark’s World Languages program. The event welcomed culture clubs on campus and groups from around the community to host multi-cultural tables. There was also a schedule of traditional dancing. Attendees joined the fun with a Bollywood dance lesson, followed by several Latin American dance lessons.
After her speech, Dr. Edwards stayed to enjoy the exchange of arts and culture. She made an ink print at a craft activity table, posed with the Chinese dragon, eyed the cookies prepared by Clark culinary students, enjoyed the music and dancing, and chatted with students at the club booths.
In her President’s Weekly, she shared, “Events like these highlight the benefits of international education, the beauty of diversity, and the meaningful connections we create through cultural appreciation.” More about International Day here.
What’s next? Rumor has it that you just might spot Dr. Edwards at the Decker Theater this weekend for an upcoming musical performance of The Addams Family Musical.
If you are interested in checking out this musical comedy, here’s more info.
