The former president of Northwest Indian College will start a new role as Whatcom Community College’s president on May 1.
Justin Guillory will take the place of retiring President Kathi Hiyane-Brown, who spent 18 years at the helm of the institution. She was honored by the state House of Representatives for her contributions last month.
Whatcom’s Board of Trustees hired Guillory for his “distinguished record in higher education leadership and a shared vision for the future of the college.”
“Naming Dr. Justin Guillory as WCC’s next president is a significant milestone for our college,” said John Pedlow, chair of the WCC Board of Trustees, in a news release issued Friday, Feb. 21. “With a proven commitment to student success, academic excellence and community engagement, Justin is well-equipped to build on our college’s values and continue strengthening our impact.”
The Board of Trustees highlighted Guillory’s efforts developing a strategic plan and his work on “student success initiatives” at Northwest Indian College in the news release. Guillory is a direct descendant of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho and has African American and Hispanic ancestry, according to Whatcom’s news release.
“I am deeply honored to join the WCC family,” Guillory said. “I look forward to working together to enhance opportunities for our students, strengthen our partnerships with local communities, and ensure that WCC remains a place where students can excel, innovate and lead.”
Guillory served as Northwest Indian College’s president for 12 years until October 2024, when the Board of Trustees decided not to renew his contract.
Northwest Indian College is currently searching for its next president.
This fall, 2,785 students are enrolled full-time at WCC. The campus is located at 237 W. Kellogg Road in Bellingham.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
