At SPSCC, investing in student success starts with investing in the people who make it possible—staff, faculty, and community partners. Dr. Timothy Stokes, president of South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), believes that reducing burnout, fostering innovation, and continually refining student support systems are critical to the college’s future.
“If we want our students to succeed, we have to make sure our staff and faculty are equipped, energized, and engaged in the work,” said Dr. Stokes. “That means investing in professional development and constantly asking ourselves: how can we be better?”
A Culture of Continuous Improvement
SPSCC is deeply committed to student success and that commitment starts behind the scenes. The college invests heavily in professional development, sending staff and faculty to national conferences where they learn from experts across many fields, explore emerging trends, and bring back innovative strategies that make a direct impact on students. These opportunities reduce burnout, produce fresh ideas, and reaffirm the importance of the work being done at SPSCC. From Excellence Awards to sabbaticals, SPSCC has built support and recognition into the college culture—helping employees stay inspired while advancing student-centered initiatives.
That focus on excellence is built into the very foundation of the college. In fact, when Aspen Institute representatives visited SPSCC as part of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence finalist interviews, they noted something they rarely see at other colleges: an institution where Student Services and Instruction are fully aligned, focusing every decision on student outcomes.
“We’re not just reacting to challenges,” Dr. Stokes explained. “We’re continually renewing what we measure, what those indicators mean for students, and how we engage in work that moves them forward. If most community colleges are operating at a ‘version 5.0’ of advising, our advising team is already working on ‘version 6.0’. That constant renewal is what keeps us ahead.”
Navigating Change with Data & Collaboration
At SPSCC, innovation is guided by data—and it’s not just for show. The college’s annual operational plan is entirely data-driven, shaping both initiatives and budgets. Every two years, SPSCC resets its focus, using fresh insights to guide staff and faculty toward what will make the greatest impact for students.
That constant drive for improvement has led to measurable success. For example, the number of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions to SPSCC has increased by 3,000 in recent years. More students than ever are accessing financial aid, many of whom never thought college was possible for them. This increase of FAFSA submissions is driven in part by SPSCC’s work with United Way of Thurston County, which funded the first two “Navigator” positions at the college.
Navigators are SPSCC staff who work at the high schools, meeting directly with high school students—particularly those from vulnerable and underrepresented backgrounds—to ensure they have the information and support needed to take the next step in their education. SPSCC, with additional funding resources, has doubled the Navigator program from two to four staff to now cover North Thurston Public Schools, Yelm Community Schools, Olympia School District, and Tumwater School District. Each Navigator works at two high schools and students receive one-on-one guidance through FAFSA applications, enrollment processes, and career pathway exploration.
The Aspen Presidents Fellowship has not only reinforced Dr. Stokes’ commitment to student success, but has also expanded his vision for engaging with the community. Partnerships like those with United Way and local high schools show the power of collaboration, and he’s eager to continue building relationships that remove barriers for students.
“We should never back away from the goal of ensuring every student can earn a credential, increase their earnings, and contribute to a better world,” said Dr. Stokes. “Even if it feels impossible, we owe it to our students to keep pushing forward.”
Part Four
In the final part of this series, Dr. Stokes reflects on his personal journey—from being a child in Arkansas who dreamed of creating opportunities for others to becoming a college president and leading one of the nation’s top 10 community colleges—and what this recognition from Aspen means to him, to SPSCC, and to the students striving for a brighter future.