LANCASTER – L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D., took the reins July 26 as vice president of the Lancaster Campus.

In his leadership role, the former Battle Creek, Mich., educator also is responsible for strengthening and building community partnerships.

“I am excited about coming to work with the people at HACC and getting to know the Lancaster community,” said Washington, who most recently was vice president of student services at Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek.

“Working to foster student success by establishing and strengthening various partnerships with local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations is one of my goals,” he said.

Washington’s doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is in educational studies with specializations in educational leadership and higher education. He also has a master’s degree in education from Winona (Minn.) State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Washington’s mother was a receptionist at a healthcare clinic and his father worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation. He and his wife, Tonja, have three children.

Washington is president-elect of the National Council on Student Development board of directors. In 2009 he participated in the League for Innovation Executive Leadership Institute for community colleges in Phoenix. He also attended the American Association for Community Colleges Future Leaders Institute Advance in 2008.

While in Battle Creek, he was active in a number of local organizations, including Lions Club and the Boy Scouts of America. He served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of Battle Creek; SAFE Place, an organization that assists victims of domestic violence; and SNAP Inc. Preschool and Daycare.

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