Wenatchee Valley College appoints Carolyn Goolsby as Dean of Omak campus

OMAK — Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) has named Carolyn Goolsby as the new Dean of its Omak campus, effective Aug. 16, the college announced on Tuesday.

In her role, Goolsby will oversee operations, finances, and strategic planning for the Omak campus. She will also support students, faculty, and staff while serving as a liaison with the community and overseeing partnerships, including those with the Colville Confederated Tribes, the Area Health Education Center, and the Rural Library College Alliance.

Goolsby brings over 30 years of management experience to the position. Most recently, she served as the director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus, the university's largest rural campus, where she was responsible for all aspects of campus operations and functions.

"I'm honored to be named dean of the Omak campus. The WVC Omak campus boasts a dedicated staff and faculty that serve the community in an inclusive and welcoming environment while honoring and celebrating the tribal heritage of the region," Goolsby said. "I was so attracted to the position because of Omak's lovely location and the energy and positivity I've experienced from everyone there. I very much look forward to working with our Okanogan communities, the Colville Confederated Tribe, WVC administration, and our students, faculty, and staff as we continue to meet our students where they are and instill confidence in their abilities, their preparation and their identity."

WVC President Dr. Faimous Harrison emphasized the importance of an inclusive leader for the Omak campus. "Our Omak campus dean must be an inclusive leader, someone who can support our diverse group of students, faculty and staff, and someone who can foster our important partnerships in the Okanogan Valley and throughout the region," Harrison said. "With her professional experience in higher education, especially at a rural campus, Ms. Goolsby will be a great addition to our campus community. Her ability to develop important relationships with community stakeholders is essential to the growth of our Omak campus and institution as a whole."

Goolsby holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia Southern University's Armstrong Campus.