Strong Show of Support for TCC President Pamela Transue

At a time when higher education leaders nationwide are being pressed to defend tough budget decisions in the light of draconian budget cuts, Tacoma Community College President Dr. Pamela Transue is being honored with a leadership award – and a campus building is being newly christened with her name.

A naming ceremony for the Pamela Transue Center for Science and Engineering will be held onsite, June 2 at 2:30 p.m., followed by a reception from 3 - 4:30. Located at the south end of campus, the center has been known as the “Science and Engineering Building” since its completion in 2007. With support from the campus community, the name was changed by unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees at their October 2009 meeting.

The naming ceremony takes place just weeks after Transue received the 2010 President’s Award for Leadership from the Washington’s Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC).

TACTC presents annual leadership awards to trustees and presidents in the state community and technical college system. Transue, who is currently serving as President of the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) President’s group, was nominated for the TACTC award by the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees.

“The nominating statement details the remarkable accomplishments of a remarkable President, and we are very fortunate that she serves as our chief executive officer,” said TCC Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Jinkins. “Indeed, the community and technical college systems nationwide are fortunate to have someone of her caliber serving in higher education.”

The nomination notes Transue’s contributions to the larger community and her work on behalf of the community college system at the state and national level. But it focuses on the support Transue has received from the campus community, citing the award she received for management of last year’s budget crisis and the college community’s recent support for the Board’s proposal to name a campus building in her honor.

“When the Board felt that, because of her outstanding leadership, she deserved the honor of having a building named after her, they polled faculty and staff.” Jinkins cited examples of “the many, many positive responses received.”

“Dr. Pamela Transue, President of Tacoma Community College, has lead our institution through some of its greatest challenges and created the environment for some of our greatest successes,” reads one comment. “She has handled difficulty economic situations with kindness, clarity, and concern for those who make up our teaching and learning community.”

“Her life story serves as an inspiration to all community college students who are overcoming the same kinds of challenges to improve their lives and the lives of their families,” reads another. “By naming a building after her and continuing to communicate this story, she will continue to inspire after she has moved on.”

“Community and technical colleges are finally receiving the long-delayed acknowledgment, appreciation and respect that they deserve due to leaders like Dr. Pamela Transue,” Jinkins said. “They are fortunate to have someone of her caliber and dedication fighting for them. And fight she truly does.”

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