Dr. Steven VanAusdle

President, Walla Walla Community College

Dr. Steven VanAusdle, president of Walla Walla Community College since 1984, has established a culture that fosters innovation and entrepreneurialism on the campuses and in the communities served by the college.  His vision and actions helped a rural region experiencing economic decline transform itself into a thriving wine region. VanAusdle focuses on student success and champions practices that increase participation, retention, and completion rates, especially for at risk students.  These students include inmates at two Washington State Correctional facilities who have access to a privately funded Associate degree transfer program, a basic skills program, and workforce programs. Under his leadership, Walla Walla Community College was recently selected as one of ten finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.  At the state and national level Dr. VanAusdle serves as a member of the Council on Competitiveness, was recently appointed vice chair of the Washington State Economic Development Commission by Governor Gregoire, represents Washington State on the Pacific Power Regional Advisory Board, and serves on the Port of Walla Walla Economic Development Advisory Committee.