Evergreen Tacoma

Welcome to Evergreen's Tacoma Campus where learning comes alive in the heart of Tacoma!

Education Meets Community

Nestled in the historic Hilltop neighborhood, the Tacoma Campus offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, innovation and community engagement.

Interdisciplinary Education Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders

Our unique curriculum empowers students to explore a wide range of subjects, connecting various fields of study to address complex real-world challenges.

Beyond academics, our campus is a thriving hub of community and social activities. Engage in student clubs, attend thought-provoking lectures or participate in community service initiatives. Evergreen Tacoma's community is known for its inclusive and supportive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.

a group of tacoma students standing together after graduation

Preparing You for the Your Next Step

With a focus on active and collaborative learning, we foster critical thinking, creativity and the development of practical skills that are essential for success in today's rapidly evolving society.

Our dedicated faculty members are experts in their respective fields and passionate mentors committed to nurturing your intellectual curiosity and guiding you on your educational journey. Through small class sizes, personalized attention, and a supportive learning environment, we strive to create a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

Tacoma Programs

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Tacoma Faculty and Staff

Tacoma students benefit from close interaction with compassionate and experienced faculty, advisors and staff. Everyone who works at Evergreen Tacoma wants to see you succeed on your college career path and will make sure you have what you need to be successful. 

Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean, Evergreen-Tacoma
Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga

Academic Dean, Tacoma

Ph.D., Leadership & Change, Antioch University, 2017; M.A., Human Development, Pacific Oaks College, 2002; B.A., Sociology, University of Washington, 1980.

(253) 680-3003

arungam@evergreen.edu

Peter Bacho, Faculty
Peter Bacho

Faculty

LL.M., Law and Policy, University of Washington, 1981; J.D., University of Washington, 1974; B.A., Seattle University, 1971.

Expertise
Law, creative writing, literature

(253) 680-3028

bachop@evergreen.edu

Sharon Cronin, Faculty
Sharon Cronin

Adjunct Faculty

Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Washington, 1996; M.A., Human Development, Pacific Oaks College, 1991; B.A., Bilingual Bicultural Studies, University of Washington, 1983.

Mingxia Li, Faculty, Evergreen-Tacoma
Mingxia Li

Faculty

Ph.D., Molecular Pharmacology, Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1992; M.S., Pharmacology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 1986; M.D., Capital Medical College, Beijing, 1982.

Expertise
Biology, Chinese cultural studies, molecular pharmacology

(253) 680-3025

zhanger@evergreen.edu

Tyrus Smith, Tacoma Faculty
Tyrus Smith

Faculty

Ph.D., Environmental Science and Public Policy, George Mason University, 2004; M.E.S., The Evergreen State College, 1997; B.S., Environmental Policy and Impact Assessment, Western Washington University, 1994.

Expertise
Environmental studies, public policy

smitht@evergreen.edu

Letta Mason, Adjunct Faculty
Letta Steward

Faculty

Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Administration, American College of Education, 2020; M.Ed. Administrative Principalship, Program Management, Curriculum Development, City University, Seattle; MA, Human Development, Family Studies, and Relate Services, Pacific Oakes College; BA, Human Development, Family Studies and Related Services, Pacific Oakes College.  

letta.steward@evergeen.edu

Kamara Taylor, Tacoma Faculty
Kamara Taylor

Adjunct Faculty, Tacoma

M.A., Political Science, Northeastern Illinois University, 2012; B.A., Political Science, Northeastern Illinois University, 2010.

kamara.taylor@evergreen.edu

Dr. Maxine Mimms, founder of Evergreen-Tacoma.
Dr. Maxine Mimms, Founder of Evergreen-Tacoma.

Evergreen Tacoma's History

In 1972, longtime Tacoma resident and Evergreen faculty member Dr. Maxine Mimms overheard locals talking about that "new college in Olympia." They thought it was just for kids in the forest and that it couldn't meet the needs of adults in the city.

Dr. Mimms took that as a challenge. She began the Tacoma Program with just a handful of students meeting in her home in the Hilltop neighborhood. The program was formally established at 12th and MLK in 1982.

As word spread and more students and faculty joined, the program continued to outgrow one location after another. In 2001, the program found its permanent home on 6th Avenue.

37
Average Student Age
74%
Students are Women
64%
Students of Color

A third of Evergreen Tacoma students are African-American. More detailed information about the program's rich demographics is available at Institutional Research.

Tacoma graduate celebrates with campus co-founder, Dr. Joye Hardiman

Our Students and Graduates

Tacoma Program students succeed with the skills and experience they gain at Evergreen.

From the beginning, Evergreen Tacoma has been a nexus for community activists playing a key role in the Hilltop’s resurgence by helping a new generation of Tacoma residents acquire the skills and confidence to take their places as leaders in the region. This critical work continues to influence the direction of 21st-century Tacoma.

Students of the program have gone on to a variety of graduate schools and careers. Many continue in a life of service as social workers, counselors, lawyers and in public administration.

Tacoma Campus

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