Ray Needham

In this interview, former TCC president Ray Needham speaks on a variety of topics from his experience as an educational administrator and as president at TCC. Needham recounts the inception of TCC and the community college system in Washington State, as well as the differences between Washington’s system and Oregon’s. Other topics covered in this interview include Needham’s experiences with other schools, college governments and boards, the philosophy behind budget cuts, and reaching out to alumni.

I. TCC’s Inception and Green River Community College pp. 1

II. Arriving at TCC and Campus Climate during 1990s pp. 2

III. Why TCC? pp. 2

IV. TCC’s Mission pp 2

V. 1960s Beginning of WA State Community College System pp. 2-3

VI. TCC as a Part of Auburn School District pp. 3

VII. Changes Since 1965 pp. 3-4

VIII. Gig Harbor Campus pp. 4

IX. Oregon vs. Washington CC Systems pp. 4-5

X. Where is the CC System Heading? pp 5

XI. Philosophy Behind Budget Cuts pp 5-6

XII. Growing Up in WA and Wrestling Scholarship pp. 6-7

XIII. Working History in Educational Administration and Dissertation pp. 7-8

XIV. Experience With Teaching, and Similarities Between Teaching and Administration pp. 8-9

XV. The Philosophy of Educational Administration in the CC System pp. 9

XVI. College Governments and Board of Trustees pp. 10-11

XVII. Private Organizations and Community Colleges pp. 11-12

XVIII. Addressing the Needs of African American and Minority Students pp. 12-13

XIX. Academic Preparation 2000 and Running Start pp. 13

XX. Rising Costs and Tuition pp. 13-14

XXI. Technology and Setting up TCC’s Network pp. 14

XXII. Learning Resource Center pp. 14-15

XXIII. Online Learning and Support pp. 15-16

XXIV. Changes and Innovations During Time as President pp. 16

XXV. Corporate Education Program pp. 16-17

XXVI. The Gerberding Controversy pp. 17

XXVII. Tacoma Mall Information Center pp. 17

XXVIII. Retention After Graduation and Reaching out to Alumni pp. 17-18

XXIX. Why Leave TCC at that Time? pp. 18-19

XXX. Unfinished Business and Projects pp. 19

XXXI. Thoughts on TCC’s Direction Since Retirement pp. 19-20

XXXII. Earl Norman Leadership Award 1997 pp. 20

XXXIII. TCC’s Relationship with Tacoma pp. 20

XXXIV. Favorite CC Traditions pp. 20-21

XXXV. Greatest Accomplishments pp. 21

XXXVI. Where Should TCC Go? pp. 21-22