Tacoma

OLYMPIA – The Evergreen State College proudly announces a generous $1 million gift from an anonymous alumni donor. This significant contribution, to be given over the next five years, will directly support student success by funding scholarships and vital student services.

Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the funds will be provided to the college’s Basic Needs Center and for scholarships for students of Evergreen Tacoma and the Native Pathways Program. The donor selected these three initiatives to help reduce barriers to graduation and support students who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Evergreen’s Basic Needs Center facilitates access to necessities such as housing, food, clothing, and hygiene products, and community resources at no cost to students. The Basic Needs Center also helps students connect to regional community resources through tailored referrals and advocacy.

Located in the historic Hilltop neighborhood, Evergreen Tacoma has helped Tacoma residents acquire the skills and confidence to take their places as leaders in the region. Longtime Tacoma resident and Evergreen faculty member Dr. Maxine Mimms founded the Tacoma program in her home in the Hilltop in 1972. The program was formally established at 12th and MLK in 1982. Evergreen Tacoma offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, innovation, and community engagement.

In Evergreen’s Native Pathways Program, students expand their knowledge by examining Indigenous and Western thought and practices through an Indigenous lens. Using a cohort model of learning, the program uses works written or created by Indigenous authors and scholars, engages in place-based learning that tells the stories of the land, and structures lessons centered on Indigenous cultural knowledge.

“We are incredibly grateful for this gift, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen President. “These funds allow the college to address immediate student needs and help remove barriers to higher education, proving once again that Evergreen is for everyone.”

This gift is part of The Evergreen State College’s Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower students and support innovative, community-based education.

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.

The Evergreen State College is proud to announce the appointment of Onya Robertson as the Student Member of its Board of Trustees. Onya, a bright, dedicated and ambitious student, brings a wealth of passion and a commitment to student engagement to her new role.

Onya Robertson is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration at Evergreen's Tacoma Campus. She completed her undergraduate degree at Evergreen-Tacoma in 2023 and is known for her outgoing and driven personality. With a focus on Public Policy, Onya aspires to attend law school and ultimately serve as a judge.

Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in California's Inland Empire she now resides in Tacoma, Washington, with her two sons, Immanuel (15) and Mycah (12), and her faithful Husky companion, Naga (4).

In her role as a member of the Board of Trustees, Onya is eager to connect with students from both Evergreen campuses and uplift their voices and needs. She stated, "I'd like to empower students at both campuses and in all programs to see each other as comrades. I'd like for both campuses to feel like home to all students, and I'd like to see all events and activities attended by students from both Evergreen campuses. My hope is to end the year with more students than ever before (across programs) feeling included, heard, and seen."

Board of Trustees Chair Karen Fraser expressed her enthusiasm for Onya's appointment, saying, "Onya Robertson brings a fresh and student-centered perspective to our Board of Trustees. We are excited to have her passion and dedication as we work together to enhance the Evergreen experience."

Evergreen President John Carmichael also welcomed Onya to the Board, stating, "Onya's commitment to inclusivity and her determination to strengthen the sense of community among our students align perfectly with Evergreen's values. We look forward to her contributions and insights as we continue to prioritize student success."

For more information about The Evergreen State College's Board of Trustees and its mission, please visit the Board of Trustees webpage

TACOMA – The Evergreen State College’s Tacoma campus located in the historic Hilltop Neighborhood offers a bi-lingual, Early Childhood Education Program which will help prepare students for a career working with children while earning their bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. 

“We are excited to offer this program at Evergreen Tacoma,” said Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean of Tacoma. “This program helps those interested in pursuing a degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and offers a variety of courses that will help students grow a greater understanding into language and culture along with how to work with families and communities as we all work together to build solid foundation for our children’s future.”

Fall 2022 courses for this program include Working with Families; Language, Culture and Young Children; and Tribal Sovereignty and Early Childhood Education. Classes are virtual and are held in the evenings to allow ease for those working full-time. 

The Evergreen State College offers an affordable education and $9000 scholarships are available for students working for an Early Achievers site through Child Care Aware’s Washington Scholar’s program. 

Evergreen’s Tacoma campus is a small and mighty liberal arts program focused on community, flexibility and convenience. Contact Shawn Harris if you are interested in the Early Childhood Education program at Shawn.Harris1@evergreen.edu or by calling 253-680-3000. 

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