The University of Washington Bothell was recognized by both Gov. Jay Inslee and the State Senate on April 13 during a proclamation signing and senate resolution acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the state’s branch campuses.
Legislation signed by Gov. Booth Gardner in 1989 resulted in the creation of five branch campuses to provide access to affordable public higher education in the state of Washington. UW Bothell opened its doors in 1990, created by a group of 13 educators who were selected and told to build the university curriculum from scratch. The school recently held its first classes in an office park.
In May, UW Bothell will officially celebrate its 25th anniversary. It now has nearly 5,000 students, almost 15,000 alumni and is the fastest-growing public university in the state of Washington, with 66 percent enrollment growth since 2010. UW Bothell has added 33 new degrees in the last five years alone with more launching in fall 2015. Yet, the administration remains committed to the student-faculty relationship. To keep pace with enrollment growth, the administration continues to recruit highly qualified faculty and explore additional instructional space.
UW Bothell has become a destination of choice for students of great promise from across the state of Washington. More than half of its first year students are the first in their families to attend college. Sixty-nine percent of students are from diverse backgrounds.
June Altaras has a story that is typical of a UW Bothell student – a single mom of four children, a first generation student, and overwhelmed by the process. When she arrived at UW Bothell, she was told “we’re going to help you do this.” Her instructors and advisors in the nursing program guided her through not one but two UW Bothell degrees. Altaras is now the new CEO at Swedish First Hill.
UW Bothell students benefit from unique internship and mentoring opportunities through strong community partnerships. And they are giving back after they graduate. Engineer Vladislav Simontov was mentored by Boeing engineer Ralph Boy. Simontov mentors UW Bothell students on behalf of his employer Seabird Electronics. Simontov said his current job mirrors the skills he learned during his capstone experience.
Monday’s recognition in Olympia is significant in acknowledging the exceptional educational experience offered at UW Bothell.
The university continues to surpass expectations set forth in 1989. With five schools and a growing campus footprint, it is providing access to an affordable and exceptional University of Washington education and meeting industry needs by graduating highly qualified leaders, many who are staying in the state of Washington.
