Dr. William Christopher, president of Cascadia Community College in Bothell recently announced his intent to retire effective June 30, 2010. Christopher came to Cascadia in July 2005 when the college was just five years old.

Board of Trustees Chair Kirstin Haugen said that finding a new president to lead Cascadia into the next decade will be the board’s No. 1 priority. She told Christopher, “We accept your decision with regret and want to acknowledge how your vision and passion have positioned Cascadia so well for continued growth and success.”

The Board of Trustees praised Christopher for his outstanding leadership. Among the most notable accomplishments during his five-year tenure are Cascadia’s initial accreditation, Cascadia’s ranking as the No. 2 community college in the U.S. by Washington Monthly magazine, growth in the college’s International and Continuing Education programs, his signing of the College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, the addition of a new high-tech classroom and performing arts building, and the opening of a new freeway ramp that provides direct access to the campus.

The board appointed Trustee Michael Martino to serve as the chair of the Presidential Search Committee and expects to select a search consultant in early February.

Cascadia Community College shares a picturesque 128-acre campus with the University of Washington Bothell and serves more than 3,000 students each quarter. Cascadia’s enrollment has grown consistently since it opened in fall 2000 to serve the unmet needs for access to affordable, quality higher education in east King and south Snohomish counties.

For more information about Cascadia’s presidential search, contact Dede Gonzales at (425) 352-8252 or dgonzales@cascadia.edu.