PCC Cascade leader hired for new post
Dr. Karin Edwards
The Clark College Board of Trustees Friday named Dr. Karin Edwards, the current president of the Cascade Campus of Portland Community College in north Portland and a member of Portland’s African American community, as the next president of Clark College in Vancouver.
“Dr. Edwards is an incredible leader,” said Trustee Paul Speer. “Her ability to help close achievement gaps between student populations, her work in equity, her work in partnerships in workforce development, and her previous experience in a presidential role were certainly very influential in the board’s decision.”
Edwards will be the college’s 15th leader in its 87-year history.
“I’m excited to begin a new chapter as President of Clark College and grateful to everyone at Portland Community College who has walked with me these past six years,” she said in a statement. “We have a great deal to be proud of, developing programs and support services that help our students succeed.”
Dr. Sandra Fowler-Hill, who has served as Interim Clark College President while the college conducted a presidential search, will continue in her current role until Edwards is able to join the college this summer.
Edwards has a 36-year career at community colleges, Her community service includes serving on the board of Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives and on the advisory board of the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, as well as being an active member of the Partners in Diversity Leadership Council and the Oregon Presidents Council of the Oregon Community College Association.
Edwards earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in higher education administration at State University of New York at Albany, and her doctorate degree in educational leadership at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I.