Office of the President
Welcome
The Office of the President works in partnership with the Leadership Team under the guidance of the Board of Trustees to promote academic excellence, student success, community engagement and institutional growth. Together, we aim to that foster an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable environment that supports the growth and achievements of our students and employees. Through meaningful partnerships and collaborative efforts, we strive to advance our mission to uplift and strengthen the greater Tacoma-Pierce County community we serve and partner in its continued success.
About the President
Ivan L. Harrell II., Ph.D., serves as the 11th President of Tacoma Community College (TCC). Having a passion for community college education, Dr. Harrell strives every day to lead a group of professionals in providing the best environment, programs and services students need to complete their academic and career goals.
Prior to TCC, Dr. Harrell most recently served as the Executive Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Before Georgia Piedmont, he served as the Vice President of Success at Lone Star College, Dean of Student Affairs at Anne Arundel Community College, Coordinator for Student Affairs at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and Assistant to the Vice President at Tallahassee Community College.
Dr. Harrell has written or co-written several scholarly articles and book chapters. He has also presented at many local, regional and national conferences and seminars. He is most proud of his work around improving the success of students of color, particularly Black men, first-generation college students, as well as students who come from traditionally marginalized backgrounds.
Dr. Harrell completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) at Florida State University, where he defended his award-winning dissertation, titled, “Using Student Characteristics to Predict the Persistence of Community College Students Enrolled in Online Courses.” He holds a master’s degree (M.Ed.) from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from Wittenberg University.
A native of Oberlin, Ohio, Dr. Harrell was a first-generation student who began his career in community colleges at Tallahassee Community College. Inspired by the diverse, intelligent and hard-working students he met at Tallahassee; Dr. Harrell decided to dedicate his career to advancing the community college mission. His goal, as a higher education leader, is to support as many community college students as possible to achieve their academic and career goals.
Email: president@tacomacc.edu
Phone: 253-566-5169
Office: Bldg. 12-220
Scheduling Requests: Please contact Natalie Boes
Governance and Leadership
The Office of the President, in partnership with the Leadership Team govern and work to institute policies that uphold our commitment to create meaningful learning, advance equity, and strengthen student and community success. This work is carried out through the actions and support of the larger campus community.
Office of the President Staff
Natalie Boes
(she/her/hers)
Executive Director of Presidential Operations
Ashley Calixto
(she/her/hers)
Administrative Operations Coordinator
Media Inquiries
Please direct inquiries to our College Relations team.