FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Justin Guillory Named Whatcom Community College’s New President.

Bellingham, Washington, February 21, 2025 – The Whatcom Community College (WCC) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Justin Guillory as the college’s new president, effective May 1, 2025. 

Following the announcement of the retirement of our current president, Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, who has served the college with dedication and distinction for 18 years, the Board of Trustees engaged Gold Hill Associates to conduct a comprehensive nationwide search. Dr. Guillory was selected for his distinguished record in higher education leadership and a shared vision for the future of the college.

Dr. Guillory has over 20 years of experience in higher education, 18 of which include serving in various capacities at Northwest Indian College (NWIC), including 12 years as the president.  Additional experience includes serving as a graduate assistant/mentor program coordinator within the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Washington State University (WSU).   
At NWIC Dr. Guillory’s tenure includes leading collaborative efforts such as the development and completion of a strategic plan, accreditation reaffirmations in 2017 and 2024, and enhanced degree program options including distance learning, new facilities and campus improvements, and student success initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to join the WCC family,” said Dr. Guillory. “I look forward to working together to enhance opportunities for our students, strengthen our partnerships with local communities, and ensure that WCC remains a place where students can excel, innovate and lead.”

Dr. Guillory has served on the Boards of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, the American Indian College Fund, and the Washington Governors University Advisory Board. His scholarly activities and service contributions include book chapter publications and being a peer reviewer for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Guillory has a PhD in higher education administration, a master’s degree from WSU, and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University.  He is a direct descendant of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho and has African American and Hispanic ancestry.  Dr. Guillory and his wife, Sunny, have two sons and two daughters and have lived in Whatcom County since 2007.   

“Naming Dr. Justin Guillory as WCC’s next president is a significant milestone for our college,” said John Pedlow, chair of the WCC Board of Trustees. “With a proven commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement, Justin is well-equipped to build on our college’s values and continue strengthening our impact.”

As president of WCC, Dr. Guillory will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and the community to build on the college’s strong foundation and ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.

The WCC Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown for her exceptional leadership, as well as to the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and all those who contributed their insights throughout the search process.

About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College (WCC) in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, offers three bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.

Presidential Search Media Contact: Rafeeka Kloke, Search Liaison, Executive Director for the Office of the President,  rkloke@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360.383.3338.

Media Contact & Public Information Officer: Marni Saling Mayer, PIO, and Director of Communication & Marketing,  msmayer@whatcom.edu, Phone: 360.383.3312.