Justin P. Guillory, PhD, became the fifth president of Whatcom Community College starting in May 2025.

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.

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. 

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.