Clark College

Clark College, a cornerstone of public education in Vancouver, Washington, has been serving its community with dedication since 1933. Originally known as Vancouver Junior College, it has evolved from humble beginnings at the historic Hidden House into a vibrant public community college, now proudly recognized as a 4-year institution.

The college's journey is marked by significant growth, especially after its move to the current main campus, a site with historical ties to the Vancouver Barracks. Its integration into the statewide community college system in 1967 cemented its role in public education. Clark College played a pivotal role in educating the expanded population following World War II, fueled by the Kaiser Shipyards boom and the Serviceman's Readjustment Act, consistently adapting to meet the evolving educational needs of its community.

In a landmark development for a community college, Clark established its first 4-year program in the medical field in 2014, signifying its new status as a 4-year college. Beyond academics, students at Clark thrive in an engaging campus environment. This spirit is embodied by Oswald, the Galapagos penguin mascot, who champions college-wide initiatives like Healthy Penguin Nation and Sustainable Penguin Nation, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Under the leadership of President Karin Edwards, Clark College maintains its unwavering commitment to educational excellence and community service. Despite recent challenges, including a significant faculty strike in 2020 that ultimately led to improved wages and increased pay parity for both full-time and part-time staff, the college continues to build on its rich history, offering modern opportunities for prospective students and families.