Welcome to Skagit Valley College! Whether you are beginning your college experience, upgrading your job skills, or continuing your lifelong learning, I applaud your interest in pursuing higher education.

Since being founded in 1926, SVC has established a strong tradition of making a difference in people's lives. We have achieved this, as reflected in our mission statement, by welcoming and valuing diverse learners, providing quality education and support, and contributing community leadership and service.

At Skagit Valley College, you will discover a culture among our faculty and staff that is highly student centered. They have made a commitment to active learning strategies and building personal relationships that will help you to succeed in the classroom and in life.

As an acknowledgement of our good work, I am proud that Skagit Valley College earned national recognition in 2007 as one of the best community colleges in the nation. Washington Monthly magazine ranked "America's Best Community Colleges" and SVC was among the top 30 colleges named. In its August issue, journalist Kevin Carey noted that SVC scored highly in measures correlated with student engagement and graduation rates. Some of the data used in the article and the rankings came from an administration of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement, a national survey conducted by community colleges.

For each of us, community colleges are the doors of opportunity in our communities. As a community college graduate myself, I often think back to the dedicated faculty and staff who helped me to begin my college experience and who cheered me on as I completed my Associate in Arts degree.

So, whether you choose to attend one of our campuses or centers, or study via eLearning, welcome to Skagit Valley College. On behalf of the faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees, I extend my best wishes for your success!

Sincerely,

Dr. Gary Tollefson
President, Skagit Valley College