Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College
OLYMPIA — Dr. Timothy Stokes will be the next president of South Puget Sound Community College. Stokes accepted the job offer, which was extended by unanimous vote of the college’s Board of Trustees during its Dec. 14, 2012, meeting. He will assume the post Feb. 1, 2013.
“We are delighted Dr. Stokes will be leading our college,” said Board of Trustees Chair Judy Blinn. “He is a strong, energetic leader, who is committed to community engagement and is passionate about student success. The college is in a great position for a bright future in service to the community. The Trustees know Dr. Stokes is the perfect leader to help take the institution there.”
Stokes currently serves as executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Tacoma Community College. Prior to his tenure at Tacoma, Stokes served as vice president for Student Learning at Texas State Technical College and executive director of the Southwest Arkansas Technology Learning Center at Henderson State University. He holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas, a M.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Arkansas, and a B.A. in English from Lyon College.
“I’m honored to be leading such a well-regarded institution,” said Stokes. “South Puget Sound has an amazing faculty and staff, strong community support, and a steadfast and engaged Board of Trustees, who have welcomed me so graciously. The college has a great future, and I’m excited to be part of this community and to begin the work of moving the college forward, together.”
Stokes will succeed current College President Gerald Pumphrey, who will retire after more than 6 years at the college.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Stokes during the transition,” said Pumphrey. “I wish him the best in bringing new vision and new leadership to the college.
