CWU alumna named provost at Bellevue College

Central Washington University graduate Dr. Jessica Clark was recently selected as the new provost and vice president of academic affairs at Bellevue College.

According to a news story on the college’s website, Clark (’02) most recently worked as vice president of the Instruction Office at Walla Walla Community College. She has been working as a self-employed executive education strategist since last fall and will begin her new position at Bellevue College on May 1.

Clark said she aims to focus her work on breaking down barriers and fostering spaces of inclusion. During her time in Walla Walla, she launched the community college’s Center for Integrated Learning during her time on campus. 

“(This role) feels like a homecoming, not just in geography, but in values,” Clark said. “Bellevue College's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion deeply resonates with me, echoing my personal and professional ethos of seeing people as people — each with unique stories, challenges, and dreams.” 

Before moving to Eastern Washington, Clark served as the vice president of Learning and Student Services at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona. During that time, she also worked as the college’s chief academic officer, chief student affairs officer, Title IX coordinator, and Clery administrator. 

After earning her undergraduate degree in secondary education and teaching from Central, she went on to earn her master’s degree and Ph.D. in history from North Dakota State University. She also earned a post-doctoral graduate certificate in higher education leadership from the University of Wyoming. 

At Bellevue College, Clark will oversee the academic affairs division, which includes Arts and Humanities, College in the High School, Connected Learning, Faculty Commons, Health Sciences, Education and Wellness, School of Business and Technology, Social Sciences, and the Science division. Additionally, she will lead the Effectiveness, Research and Analytics and Grants offices.

“As we embark on this next chapter together, I am energized to lead with an outward mindset, ensuring that our collective efforts at Bellevue College not only champion diversity, but cultivate a community where every individual can thrive,” she said.