January 9, 2026

As of the end of the first week of the quarter, Cascadia’s student body continues to grow with 14% more students enrolled this quarter over the same time last winter. This means that everyone hit the ground running on Monday and it is appreciated. Thank you to all of our employees and students who staffed the various welcome desk locations.

As we head into 2026, we are excited to announce the official launch of our search for a new Vice President of Student Learning. Please feel free to send the job description to those who might be interested. I look forward to seeing finalists on campus during Spring Quarter.

I am making one last call for anyone who wants to participate in the February 18, one-episode, Great Cascadia Bake Off, featuring blue themed baked goods. If you have not already notified me of your intended participation, please do so by January 15. Thank you.

And to round out today’s message, I would like to formally announce our new direction with Marketing & Communications. I intended to post this on Monday, January 12, as a Special Letter, but we are ready to launch today.

The following decision was made after extensive review:

• We received our Marketing Consultant’s report on December 10
• The executive team discussed on December 10 and 17
• We met with individual stakeholders
• We compared ourselves to other Washington community colleges
• We did a budget analysis
• The Board of Trustees was consulted
• And, we talked with Cascadia’s Foundation Board

This led us to the decision to combine Cascadia’s Foundation and the Marketing & Communications Department into one comprehensive unit called “Advancement”. We previously had this pairing before Brittany Caldwell started as the Executive Director of the Foundation in 2022. Both units were nested under Meagan Walker’s leadership.

As we move forward, Brittany will add Marketing & Communications to her portfolio and have the title Associate Vice President of Advancement. With the salary savings from Meagan’s retirement, we will also be able to add one full-time (new) position to this team. Although this is a title we have never had at the college, it reflects that Brittany will be a sitting member of the executive team, yet has a smaller portfolio than other members of leadership. The new arrangement is cost neutral and Brittany comes to the table with not only non-profit experience, but an MBA and an extensive marketing background. Since we are adding onto a current position, this new arrangement does not require a search per Cascadia’s policies.

The Marketing Consultant left us with a comprehensive analysis of our strengths and opportunities in communications and marketing. Brittany’s first tasks over the next few months will be to build a strategic plan for the new unit, hire the new staff person, and meet with stakeholders to develop a list of priorities for 2026-27.

The new strategic plan will focus highly on our digital marketing presence, our website enhancements, and enrollment campaigns. All of these are equally important to the Foundation’s work in developing resources for the college…just another reason why these two departments go hand-in-hand.

Brittany will assume her new role next week. Please feel free to reach out to her (bcaldwell@cascadia.edu) or myself with questions. I look forward to this new chapter in our college’s story.

Shoutouts

From the IN Box:

Huge thanks to the International Programs Scholarship Committee consisting of Kristina Kellermann (a College & Career Foundations Faculty), Ana Nina (Director of Equity & Inclusion Programs), and Carmin Dalziel (Cascadia College Foundation Board Member), for their ongoing commitment to reviewing new and continuing international student applications quarter after quarter. Your time, care, and commitment play a vital role in supporting our international students and ensuring their access to educational opportunities. The consistency and thoughtfulness you bring to this important work is much appreciated.

AND

A fun note from Jessica Ketcham…

Hey there! I wanted to let you know that I was interviewed for a CNN piece on public squares in Europe and was able to connect the journalist with one of my Cascadia study abroad students, Lily, who was also featured in the piece. Though the journalist didn't ultimately include WCCCSA or Cascadia by name (I plugged it, though!) I think the article really shows the impact of a study abroad experience and wanted to share.

Agreed! Thanks Jessica. How fun is that!! EM

AND

A huge thank you to Amy Yi for organizing the New Student Orientation for incoming international students and for doing an amazing job even though it was her first time leading the event! Her thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and smooth execution supported the entire IP team, helped the orientation run seamlessly, and made for a warm, welcoming start for our new international students. Wonderful work, Amy!

Shoutouts can be sent to FLShoutout@cascadia.edu.