OLYMPIA, WA. — The Evergreen State College continues to experience strong momentum in student enrollment and retention, with preliminary data showing a 13% year-over-year increase in spring 2025 enrollment. This marks the third consecutive year of spring enrollment growth and includes significant gains among first-generation undergraduate students.
“Our spring enrollment at Evergreen continues to surge ahead year over year with 13% more students at the college spring 2025,” said John Reed, Chief Enrollment Officer. “An important component of this enrollment growth is the improvement we are seeing in our student retention. First-year students from fall 2024 to spring 2025 are persisting at a rate of 85%, the highest we have seen in 12 years.”
The college’s fall-to-spring retention rate for first-time, first-year students has steadily improved, rising from 68% in 2020 to 85% in 2024 — a 17-point increase over five years. Preliminary data also shows that the number of first-generation undergraduate students enrolled this spring reached 459, up from 371 the previous year.
Evergreen’s efforts to support student success through personalized advising, flexible academic pathways, and community-building programs are credited as key drivers behind these trends.
For more information, contact:
The Evergreen State College
mediarelations@evergreen.edu
Olympia, WA. - April 18, 2025 - The Evergreen State College successfully concluded its seventh annual Equity Symposium, held April 16–17, 2025. Centered on the theme “The Wisdom of Stories,” the two-day event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to explore how storytelling fosters connection, resilience, and collective liberation.
The symposium kicked off with a dynamic plenary session led by Dr. Leticia Nieto, where students, staff, and faculty were invited to explore and share their own stories of grounding, hope, and connection. The room buzzed with heartfelt reflections and meaningful dialogue, setting the tone for a deeply personal and collective experience.
Following the plenary, participants jumped into a wide variety of hands-on workshops covering everything from justice in healthcare to storytelling in activism. Whether diving into the intersections of equity and technology or exploring identity through art, each session offered practical tools, fresh perspectives, and new strategies for making change—in the classroom, the workplace, and the world.
The symposium's keynote address was delivered by Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs, a renowned writer, scholar, and activist. Gumbs, known for her work on Black feminist thought and ecological consciousness, captivated the audience with insights from her latest book, Survival is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde. Her address emphasized the transformative power of storytelling in navigating uncertain times and envisioning a more just future.
For more information about the Equity Symposium, visit evergreen.edu/equity-symposium.
Media Contact: mediarelations@evergreen.edu
TACOMA – The Evergreen State College Tacoma will hold its annual Founder’s Day celebration on Tuesday, March 4 from 1-4 p.m. at 1210 6th Avenue in Tacoma. All current Evergreen Tacoma students and alumni are invited to gather to share art and poetry and hear speeches from graduating seniors. The program will open with a keynote address by faculty emeritus Dr. Joye Hardiman and close with remarks by Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President for Evergreen.
Over the years, this event has doubled as a birthday celebration for Evergreen Tacoma founder Dr. Maxine Mimms, who was born on March 4, 1928. The late Dr. Mimms, a longtime Tacoma resident and Evergreen faculty member, founded the Tacoma program in her home in the Hilltop neighborhood in 1972, teaching working adults college-level coursework at her kitchen table. Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners, especially those living in the inner city. The program was formally established at 12th and MLK in 1982. In 2001 it moved to its current location on 6th Avenue. Dr. Mimms passed away peacefully last fall on October 8, 2024.
"This is the first time we will celebrate Dr. Maxine Mimms as our founder at a time when we are still mourning her passing,” shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean of Evergreen Tacoma. “We are grateful for the clear instructions that she left about how to move forward as a higher educational institution. What an honor to have been chosen as the leader that steps into her shoes.” “Founder’s Day pays tribute to the early group of educators and leaders whose initiative, creativity, resourcefulness, and drive built the college we know today: Maxine Mimms, Betsy Diffendal, Joye Hardiman, and others,” added Dr. Gordon. “To celebrate Founder’s Day is to celebrate the life and work of Maxine Mimms.”
Continuing Dr. Mimms’ legacy, Evergreen Tacoma offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, innovation, and community engagement. To learn more about Evergreen Tacoma’s history and programs, visit its website.
Photo of the late Dr. Maxine Mimms with Dr. Joye Hardiman from 2019
Every year, on the fourth Saturday in February, we celebrate National TRIO Day—a time to recognize the life-changing impact of TRIO programs in communities across the country. Established by Congress in 1986, this day honors the success of first-generation students, students from limited-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities who are breaking barriers in higher education with the support of TRIO.
At The Evergreen State College, we are proud to collaborate with multiple TRIO programs, empowering our students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Join us as we:
- Celebrate the transformative power of TRIO in opening doors to education and opportunity.
- Reflect on the importance of equitable access to higher education for all students.
- Advocate for expanding and protecting programs that support student success. TRIO changes lives. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from Evergreen students themselves:
Melissa Hearitige
Why are TRIO programs important?
I am a new RA this year on Evergreen’s Olympia campus, and I work in the A building with majority under 21 students. I see a need for TRIO with all generations, but I advocate for my residents to seek out TRIO because it is that one place at Evergreen that really works for the students.
Every time I ask a student who is struggling if they have heard about TRIO they always say "No." Which means that I get the opportunity to tell them about TRIO and all the things they offer and how to qualify.
If I did not have TRIO, I do not know how I would make it through the school year and through my time here at The Evergreen State College.
Trina Griffis--TRIO alumna
How has TRIO supported you?
Being a first-generation, non-traditional student was not easy. When I first started college, I had no idea where to start, who to talk to, what the annual cycle was or what I even wanted to go to school for. I didn’t understand how college worked and it wasn’t until I connected with TRIO before I was able to gain the tools I needed to thrive in college and after graduation. I learned how to organize my academic life, I learned how to advocate for myself, and I know I would not have been able to succeed and graduate without the support of TRIO.
Nadine Larsson
How has TRIO supported you?
My TRIO advisor helps me with everything. She listens when I just need someone to do that. She really listens. And she gives great feedback and offers concrete tools that I’ve been able to use—and they’ve helped me. Not only that, but whenever I visit the TRIO offices, I feel welcome. The staff, each one of them, smile, and some of them I know by name…and, even with their student loads, they remember mine! I feel like they’re part of my family. I don’t need to see them often, but whenever I do it’s a pleasure.
College is scary. It’s something new, for everyone. If you’ve never experienced college life, and there’s nobody at home to talk to about it and about the impact of the classes, faculty and other students on you, I imagine it could feel very lonely. I say imagine because I haven’t had the chance to feel that. I am supported by a fantastic advisor and by a great team of trained professionals to help me navigate my classes, faculty and other students. Thank you, TRIO!!!
Katherine Mitchell
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO means getting support in my educational journey and being part of a community of people dedicating their time and energy towards learning. TRIO has impacted my student life by helping me balance and receive support in my educational journey.
Bailey Wilson
What does TRIO mean to you?
TRIO has impacted my life in a positive way as a student. I have met amazing people, received help so I could do my best in every class, and had a place to go for any question I have ever had. All the people working in TRIO that I have met have been nothing but thoughtful, helpful, and kind. They helped me get accommodations and helped me get in contact with others if they couldn’t help directly. Thank you, TRIO!
OLYMPIA – The Evergreen State College’s Willie Unsoeld Seminar Series is excited to announce an exclusive event entitled “March of the Pigments: A Colorful Trek through History,” featuring renowned pigment chemist Dr. Mary Virginia Orna. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, in Lecture Hall 1 in Purce Hall on Evergreen’s Olympia campus. Dr. Orna will invite the audience to examine the march of the pigments through human history, propelled largely by the concomitant development of chemistry, and the effect they have had on our history.
Orna is a chemist, historian of science and professor emerita of the College of New Rochelle in New York where she taught for 40 years. A pioneer in the field of color and pigment chemistry, she works at the interface of art and archeology, using chemistry tools to investigate them. In 2021, she was awarded the HIST Award for Outstanding Achievement in the History of Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. The author of many books and papers on the subject, Orna’s book titled “March of the Pigments: Color History, Science and Impact” was published in 2022.
After the presentation, there will be a book sale and signing, providing attendees with the opportunity to purchase Orna’s books and have them signed by the author.
This event is open to the public, and admission is free. Seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
OLYMPIA — The Evergreen State College proudly announces the governor's appointment of Joshua Coetzee, an international student from South Africa and Senior, as the newly appointed Student Trustee. Coetzee brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to student governance and campus involvement.
Joshua is an active member of the Evergreen community, serving as a Resident Assistant and a member of the Geoduck Student Union and the Services & Activities Board. He is also a student-athlete on the men's soccer team, further solidifying his dedication to leadership and teamwork.
"I am honored to serve as the Student Trustee at Evergreen," said Coetzee. "I am passionate about servant leadership and student governance. I want to foster stronger connections among student leaders and get more students involved in supporting college activities and sporting events."
Coetzee's academic interests include Team Leadership, Business Leadership and Computer Science. He also hopes to use his platform as a Student Trustee to advocate for the international student community, encouraging more students worldwide to attend Evergreen. "I want to help create a truly global community here at Evergreen and add to the diversity that makes our campus so unique," he said.
Evergreen is proud to have Coetzee join the Board of Trustees as the student representative. His commitment to leadership and fostering a stronger sense of community will be invaluable as the college continues to provide a world-class education in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
TACOMA – The Evergreen State College will continue celebrating the long life of its Tacoma campus founder, Dr. Maxine Mimms, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Evergreen’s Tacoma campus will be hosting a, “Give Back,” event on Saturday, Oct. 26 to honor Dr. Mimms and to help carry out her legacy of providing community to those often left behind. Community members are invited to come to the campus and remember the legacy of Dr. Mimms and celebrate the community that is Evergreen Tacoma from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Mimms became a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College in 1972. She started teaching working adults college-level coursework at her kitchen table in the historic Hilltop neighborhood and it was at that table where Evergreen’s Tacoma Campus was born.
Evergreen-Tacoma became an official campus for The Evergreen State College in 1982 and in 2001, it moved to its current location at 1210 6th Avenue.
Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners – especially those living in the inner city.
“This is a historic moment and pivotal loss for the Evergreen community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen President. “If you know or have known Evergreen in the past over 50 years, you know about Dr. Maxine Mimms. We were so lucky to have had her as an inspiration and leader. She built a strong foundation for not just the college but for her community and we will continue as a college to build upon that, especially at Evergreen Tacoma.”
"While we deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Mimms, she truly embodied the spirit of community. Her vision to transform the lives of those around her is inspiring, and our sorrow turns to joy as we celebrate her life and legacy," said Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of The Evergreen State College. "Her life’s mission was to break down educational and economic barriers, making college accessible to learners who have historically been left behind."
“Her work has resulted in college degrees for thousands who have walked through the doors of Evergreen, Tacoma,” shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean for Evergreen, Tacoma. “The faculty and staff strive daily to continue her legacy to the students of Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and the Hilltop community.”
In 2020, The Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms Scholarship was established to support students at Evergreen Tacoma, with an emphasis on non-traditional, low-income students. This
scholarship continues Dr. Mimms’ work of making a college education accessible to all. This scholarship is endowed and will continue in perpetuity, ensuring that Dr. Mimms’ legacy lives on. If you are interested in giving to the scholarship or to learn more, please visit Evergreen’s website.
A celebration honoring Dr. Mimms is planned as part of Evergreen Tacoma’s Founder’s Day celebration in March 2025.
OLYMPIA—The Evergreen State College is proud to announce increased student enrollment for the fourth consecutive fall.
Despite challenges faced by students nationwide — from financial aid issues to ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 on learning — Evergreen continues to thrive as a beacon of innovation and community. As of Day 10, of the Fall 2024 quarter, Evergreen’s undergraduate enrollment is up to more than 2500 students, reflecting an 8 percent increase over the previous year’s numbers. The college has seen an especially significant increase in undergraduate enrollment, adding approximately 400 new students to the Evergreen community over the past three years.
Evergreen’s President, Dr. John Carmichael, attributes this success to the college’s unique learning environment and the dedication of its faculty and staff:
“This sustained growth demonstrates the powerful draw of Evergreen’s interdisciplinary, hands-on learning approach, which empowers students to take ownership of their education and emerge as changemakers in their communities. The Evergreen community has worked tirelessly to recover from the challenges of the pandemic and to emerge stronger and more committed than ever to our mission. Our staff and faculty deserve tremendous credit for their resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of our students.”
Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of Evergreen, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the role that leadership, collaboration, and creativity have played in sustaining Evergreen’s growth:
“The consistent increase in enrollment is a testament to the vision and hard work of our faculty, staff and leadership across the Olympia and Tacoma campuses. We have fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity, which resonates with students looking for an educational experience that prepares them to address real-world challenges. We’re incredibly proud of the Evergreen legacy and the continued efforts to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and collaborators.”
Evergreen’s enrollment growth comes at a time when many institutions are grappling with lower student numbers, particularly as students continue to face challenges with FAFSA, financial aid, and recovering from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Evergreen’s model — focused on interdisciplinary, experiential learning and fostering a deep sense of community — continues to attract students seeking an education that prepares them to make meaningful contributions to society.
With new students joining Evergreen’s undergraduate and graduate programs, the college is looking ahead to a bright future, knowing that those who cross the graduation stage will carry Evergreen’s spirit of change-making and collaboration into their communities and the world.
For more information on The Evergreen State College and its unique approach to education, visit www.evergreen.edu.
OLYMPIA – The Evergreen State College invites the public to explore The Art of Salish Peoples, an inspiring exhibition showcasing contemporary works from Coast and Interior Salish artists. The exhibit is open and will run through January 10, 2025, at the Evergreen Gallery in Evans Hall (Room 2204).
This unique collection features artists from Squaxin Island, Chehalis, Puyallup, Skokomish, Jamestown S'Klallam, Nisqually, Lower Elwha Klallam, Lummi, Port Gamble S'Klallam, Tulalip, Suquamish, Quinault and Colville Tribes. The exhibit is inspired by and includes several works by Ed Archie NoiseCat, a celebrated artist of Secwepemc and Stitlimx First Nations heritage. NoiseCat is completing the Boldt at 50 story pole at the House of Welcome carving studio on Evergreen’s Olympia campus.
Evergreen and the House of Welcome are located on the ancestral lands of the Squaxin Island Tribe, at the southern tip of the Salish Sea. This exhibit celebrates the deep artistic and cultural traditions of the Salish peoples while offering a contemporary perspective on their heritage and storytelling.
Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays.
For more information, visit Evergreen's Gallery website.
The Evergreen State College is proud to announce that faculty member, Susan Pavel, an accomplished artist and renowned expert of Coast Salish weaving, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant, awarded in conjunction with the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, will support an upcoming exhibit of Coast Salish regalia curated by Susan and other Native artists.
The exhibit, set to open in 2025 at the Burke Museum, will showcase the beauty and cultural significance of Coast Salish weaving, highlighting traditional regalia and weaving techniques passed down for generations. This collaboration will shine a spotlight on the rich history and artistry of Coast Salish communities and offer an educational experience for the public to learn more about Indigenous traditions.
Susan Pavel’s contributions to the field of Coast Salish weaving are well-recognized, and her work at Evergreen has been instrumental in teaching and preserving these important cultural practices. The recognition from NEH underscores her dedication to her craft, her role as an educator, and the ongoing partnership between Evergreen and the Native communities it serves.
Evergreen congratulates Susan Pavel on this remarkable accomplishment and looks forward to supporting her as the exhibit takes shape over the coming years.
Are you interested in learning more about weaving? The Evergreen State College offers a certificate that explores the realm of texture, color and design of weaving taught by Susan Pavel titled, Sheept to Shawl. For more information on this and other certificates offered through the colleges Professional and Continuing Education program, visit https://www.evergreen.edu/academics/professional-continuing-education.