Selected from a field of nearly 100 candidates, George has been president of Whitman College, a nationally recognized private liberal arts college in Walla Walla, for the past decade. He previously served as dean and vice provost of undergraduate education at the University of Washington. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (PhD, Sociology, and MA, Criminology) and from the University of Washington (BA, Sociology).

As we learned through the search process, George is an exceptional leader with deep experience at public and private institutions, large and small. It was clear from our interviews and campus forums, and from speaking with his professional colleagues, that George will be a strong and effective advocate for Evergreen and its bold approach to interdisciplinary teaching and learning. We’re extremely pleased to have him as our next president.

Evergreen’s presidential search process was informed by a search committee that included faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and representatives of the wider community. I would like to thank each and every person that served on this hard working committee, including: Sarah Pedersen (chair), Gerry Alexander, Kandi Bauman, Kelly Brown, Craig Chance, Kathleen Eamon, Fred Goldberg, Richard McGrue, Donald Morisato, David Nicandri, Susan Opprecht, Andrew Pawlicki-Sinclair, Gilda Sheppard, Lynda Weinman, James Wigfall, and John Carmichael (DTF liaison to the board).

I would also like to thank the students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the public who attended the forums for each candidate and offered feedback to the trustees and committee members.

Our new president’s official start date is October 1, but he will be on campus for several events this summer and fall, including fall convocation.

I know I speak on behalf of the trustees, the search committee and the campus community when I say we are thrilled to welcome George Bridges to Evergreen.

Sincerely,
Keith Kessler
Chair
The Evergreen State College Board of Trustees”