CWU alumna named 17th president of Yakima Valley College

Central Washington University alumna Dr. Teresa Rich became the 17th president of Yakima Valley College last week, shedding the interim title she has held since August 2024.

Rich (’95, ’03) has more than two decades of experience in higher education accounting and administrative services, including 24 years at YVC. She served as vice president of administrative services for 18 years before succeeding longtime President Linda Kaminski, who retired in July 2024.

According to a YVC news release dated January 8, Rich’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding student opportunities, strengthening academic programs and reinforcing YVC’s role as a cornerstone of the region.

“After a thorough and inclusive search process, the Board of Trustees is confident that Dr. Rich is the best person to lead Yakima Valley College into its next chapter,” said YVC Board Chair Laura Flores. “She demonstrated a clear commitment to student success, equity and community engagement, along with the vision, experience and leadership necessary to advance Yakima Valley College’s mission and strategic goals.”

During Rich’s time as interim president, YVC has celebrated several key achievements, including the creation of a partnership with CWU and the Yakima School District to develop a system that offers integrated, seamless and guaranteed pathways for high school students to earn postsecondary credentials.

Rich also helped secure a series of articulation agreements with Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences that will make it easier for students to pursue in-demand health care careers in Central Washington, and helped secure grants from the U.S. Department of Education to support YVC’s TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs.

Last fall, she helped YVC achieve its highest fall enrollment since 2019, and for the first time surpassed the 1,000-student mark for enrollment in Running Start, which allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit tuition-free.

Rich said she looks forward to working alongside YVC faculty and staff to “build a future where every student feels empowered, every voice is heard, and our college continues to thrive as a place of learning, innovation and community.”

“Together, the YVC community will embrace opportunities, overcome challenges and create a culture of excellence that reflects the very best of who we all are,” said Rich, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from CWY and a PhD in education, with a focus on community college leadership, from Oregon State University.

Rich’s colleagues have equally high expectations for what she can accomplish in her new role.

Grandview School District Superintendent Robert Darling, who served on a Community Panel during the search process, said her experience, vision, and proven record of success stood out in a large pool of qualified applicants.

“Dr. Rich deeply understands the needs, strengths and potential of our students and community,” he said. “She knows us, advocates for us and brings a strong understanding of both the region’s current workforce needs and the foresight to ensure YVC remains responsive to labor and skill demands over the next 10 to 20 years.”

During Rich’s time at YVC, she has overseen numerous capital projects, including the $22.7 million West Campus expansion that included the construction of Kaminski Conference Center, Kaminski Allied Health Center, the Yakima Valley Vintners Tasting Room and Larson Gallery.

Outside of YVC, Rich serves on the Washington Community and Technical College Strategic Technology Advisory Committee, which makes statewide recommendations for the use of technology in Washington state community and technical colleges.

She is also a member of the Association of Government Accountants and Rotary International and serves on the board for Apprisen, a national nonprofit focused on consumer credit counseling.