Dr. Yoshiko Harden, vice president for student services at Seattle Central College, has been selected as the interim president of Seattle Central College, effective Jan. 3, 2022.
“I am confident that with Dr. Harden at the helm, Seattle Central College’s faculty, staff, students, and the administrative team will continue working together and providing a high-quality education to our community,” said Dr. Shouan Pan, chancellor for the Seattle Colleges District.
“I’m excited to assume the interim president role at Central,” said Dr. Harden. “I will work to continue the rich legacy of social justice and equity at the college, support our exceptional faculty and staff, and foster partnerships with business and industry that promote the success of our students.”
The appointment follows a three-month competitive job search. Dr. Harden served as acting president during the search, replacing former President Sheila Edwards Lange. Dr. Lange accepted the position of chancellor of the University of Washington-Tacoma in September.
Dr. Harden has worked as vice president for Student Services at Seattle Central College since 2016, providing leadership for areas such as student development, enrollment and registration, and the Guided Pathways initiative.
Prior to Seattle Central, she served as vice president for diversity at Bellevue College, and as director of Multicultural Services and Student Development at Highline College.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California, San Diego in Communications and Women’s Studies, a Master’s of Education from Seattle University in Student Development Administration, and a doctorate in Education from Northeastern University in Higher Education Policy.
Her research interests and expertise center on Black males in community and technical Colleges, racial microaggressions, and Critical Race Theory.
