Interview with Everett Community College President, Dr. Daria Willis

Today we are talking to Everett Community College President, Dr. Daria Willis. Only 6 months into her presidency, COVID-19 hit, which she says made it a very interesting experience. She says they are now up to about 30% face to face or hybrid and that number will trickle up as they get into the Spring quarter. They’re currently focusing on their strategic plan and looking to the future. Dr. Willis says she has found that some students really love online learning and want to keep it, while others are looking forward to being back in person. They’re working on a balance of the two, so students can do what works for them.

When it comes to burnout, Dr. Willis says that was an issue even pre-pandemic. She refers to it more than initiative fatigue that was exasperated by the pandemic. She says they’re trying to get back to the mission of who they are, and to say here are some things we can’t do anymore. Her message to the college is that they can’t be all things to all people. One way they’re managing burnout is by looking at telecommuting policies. The pandemic has shown us that it’s possible to run a college from a home computer, and so flexible scheduling for their employees will be in the works.

In Washington state, the legislature has put a lot of focus behind guided pathways. She says that while they get a considerable amount of funding, they also get many coaches who are all there to do the same thing. She’s found herself asking which of these coaches they actually need, and they’ve gone from 6 to 2. This is just one decision that gives them room to breathe. In a tight-knit community, people want the college to do everything, but Dr. Willis says that ‘no’ is a complete sentence occasionally.

Dr. Willis says the best advice she was ever given was in kindergarten, and that was to treat others the way you want to be treated. It’s simple advice, but it’s often hard for people to do. When asked for her best advice, she tells others to say yes more. The more opportunities you take, the further you’ll go.