Lower Columbia College
Encyclopedia
Lower Columbia College is a community college
located in Longview, Washington
. Established in 1934, it serves the Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The current campus was established in 1962 and is made of 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²). LCC has an enrollment of 3,749 full-time students and 8,601 students overall.
LCC's Vision - The vision is to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in our community.
LCC's Value System - The campus community expects an environment of integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion, and innovation that fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and accountability.
, where the Cowlitz River empties into the Columbia River. Most Lower Columbia College students are residents of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Washington, and Columbia County, Oregon
in Oregon. LCC is part of the Washington State community and technical college system.
Longview has a mild climate. Winter snows and summer temperatures above 100 degrees are both rare events. It was founded as a logging and mill town, and the forests, rivers, and Cascade Mountains offer today’s residents both natural resources-related work and recreation, with hunting, boating, fishing, camping, scenery, and winter sports. Longview’s deepwater port supports international trade and local and multinational industries.
Longview and its adjoining city of Kelso
are small towns, but they offer a restored performing arts theatre, a full-service hospital, a lake, golf courses, movie theatres, shopping malls, and a connection to Interstate 5. Portland, Oregon
, is located 45 miles (72.4 km) to the south. A bridge connects Longview with Columbia County, Oregon. The Pacific Ocean is an hour away.
LCC was founded in 1934, and comprises 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²), and includes Rose Center for the Arts, a modern library, tutoring services, computer labs, and a fitness center.
The number of enrolled students doubled in the College’s second year, climbing to 96. As the number of students increased, instruction expanded into the Myklebust building in downtown Longview, and the Moose Hall. The Moose Hall continued to house classes until 1949, when damage from an earthquake caused the building to be condemned. Classes were also held on the first floor of the Longview Public Library. Enrollment continued to increase, with 149 students in 1939, up to 200 in the early 1950s, and finally reached 300 students in 1954. The proportion of female students also increased during that time. In 1948, the College received its first accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the College struggled with financial problems, and began to look for its own campus. Twenty-six acres were purchased from the Longview Company in 1942, at a reported bargain price. In 1950, construction began on ―Old Main,‖ LCC’s first permanent building. The original building was slated to have thirteen classrooms, and came with a price tag of a quarter of a million dollars. The Lower Columbia College League, an association of friends of the College, assisted with fundraising efforts to pay for the construction.
After the College had achieved financial stability, it became a part of the Longview School District. In 1961, the College was elevated from a junior college to a community college. In 1967, LCC joined the state-supported community college system. Today, the College includes 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²).
and an M.S. and B.S. from the University of Akron
. Dr. McLaughlin is past-president of the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, and past Chair of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Board. He currently serves on the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and Cowlitz Economic Development Council, and previously served many years on the Pathways 2020 Board and the Advisory Council to Washington State University Vancouver. He sits on the Board Planning Committee for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and serves as an evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Under his leadership, LCC developed a new strategic plan and defined itself as a Learning College; "placing learning at the center of all we do and working to become better learners ourselves. We are seeing the results of our emphasis on learning and innovation. It is changing the language of the institution and the way we approach our work. Faculty and staff are more engaged than ever in learning and exploration." - Dr. James McLaughlin
, the President of Woodworkers in Longview, WA, and is a
Kelso resident.
Heidi Heywood, Vice-Chair - Appointed October 2008. Is a Private practice attorney, a Part-time Superior Court commission and District Court Judge Pro Tem in Wahkiakum County and also resides in Wahkiakum County.
Max Anderson - Appointed June 2006. Is a Registered investment advisor and resides in Longview.
Mindi Linquist - Appointed October 2009. She worked as the Public Affairs manager at the Port of Kalama
and is a Former SW WA district director for US Senator Patty Murray and also resides in Castle Rock
.
Thuy Vo - Appointed December 2004. Is the Owner of VO Printers in Longview and is also a Longview resident.
and Washington State University - Vancouver
for a smoother transition. Additional university partnerships include Capella University
, Central Washington University
, DeVry University
, Evergreen State College, Montana State University - Northern
, North Central University
, Portland State University
, University of Oregon
, University of Phoenix
, Washington State University
and Western Governors University
.
There are many fields of study that students can choose from when obtaining a degree or certificate. Associate transfer degrees offered at LCC include but are not limited to Associate in Chemistry Education - Transfer Option 1 / Major Related Program, Associate in Sciences - Transfer Chemistry Degree, Associate in Sciences - Transfer Biology Degree, Associate in Business - Direct Transfer Agreement / Major Related Program Degree, Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Economics degree, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Technology - Associate in Sciences - Transfer Option 2 / Major Related Program Degree, Associate in Math Education - Direct Transfer Agreement / Major Related Program, Associate in Physics Education - Transfer Option 1 / Major Related Program Degree, and an Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement Degree.
Professional/Technical degrees and certificates include Accounting Technician, Business Management, Business Technology—Office, Legal, Medical, Computers—Computing Specialist, Help Desk, Networking, Web Development, Programming
Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Fire Science Technology, Healthcare—Nursing, Medical Assisting, Chemical Dependency Studies, Industrial Trades—Automotive, Diesel/Heavy Equipment, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Trades, Manufacturing, Instrumentation, and Welding.
, also known as the NWAACC. Prior to the formation of the NWAACC, LCC was one of the charter members of the original Washington State Junior College Athletic Conference.
David Story Field, home for Red Devils baseball, is also home to the Cowlitz Black Bears
of the West Coast League
, a summer collegiate and professional prospect league.
LCC competes in six intercollegiate
sports, two men's teams and four women's teams.
Men - NWAACC Champions
Women - NWAACC Champions
* As part of the WSJCAC.
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
located in Longview, Washington
Longview, Washington
Longview is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. It is the principal city of the "Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area", which encompasses all of Cowlitz County. Longview's population was 36,648 at the time of the 2010 census and is the largest city in Cowlitz County...
. Established in 1934, it serves the Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. The current campus was established in 1962 and is made of 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²). LCC has an enrollment of 3,749 full-time students and 8,601 students overall.
Mission, Vision, Values
LCC's Mission - The mission of Lower Columbia College is to ensure each learner's personal and professional success, and influence lives in ways that are local, global, traditional, and innovative.LCC's Vision - The vision is to be a powerful force for improving the quality of life in our community.
LCC's Value System - The campus community expects an environment of integrity, respect, collaboration, cooperation, inclusion, and innovation that fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and accountability.
Location
Lower Columbia College is located in LongviewLongview, Washington
Longview is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. It is the principal city of the "Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area", which encompasses all of Cowlitz County. Longview's population was 36,648 at the time of the 2010 census and is the largest city in Cowlitz County...
, where the Cowlitz River empties into the Columbia River. Most Lower Columbia College students are residents of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties in Washington, and Columbia County, Oregon
Columbia County, Oregon
Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. It was named for the Columbia River, which forms its eastern and northern borders. As of 2010, its population was 49,351. The county seat is St. Helens.-Economy:...
in Oregon. LCC is part of the Washington State community and technical college system.
Longview has a mild climate. Winter snows and summer temperatures above 100 degrees are both rare events. It was founded as a logging and mill town, and the forests, rivers, and Cascade Mountains offer today’s residents both natural resources-related work and recreation, with hunting, boating, fishing, camping, scenery, and winter sports. Longview’s deepwater port supports international trade and local and multinational industries.
Longview and its adjoining city of Kelso
Kelso, Washington
Kelso is a city in southwest Washington State, United States, and is the county seat of Cowlitz County. At the 2010 census, the population was 11,925. Kelso is part of the Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a population of 102,410. Kelso shares its long western border...
are small towns, but they offer a restored performing arts theatre, a full-service hospital, a lake, golf courses, movie theatres, shopping malls, and a connection to Interstate 5. Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, is located 45 miles (72.4 km) to the south. A bridge connects Longview with Columbia County, Oregon. The Pacific Ocean is an hour away.
LCC was founded in 1934, and comprises 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²), and includes Rose Center for the Arts, a modern library, tutoring services, computer labs, and a fitness center.
History
LCC was established in 1934 as Lower Columbia Junior College. First time students registered for classes at Korten’s Music Store in Longview, Dahlman Hardware in Castle Rock, and the Orr Furniture Store in Kelso. Accounts of the number of students who enrolled that first year vary from 42 to 55. Students managing the College’s first student newspaper, The Lower Columbian, put out ten issues that year. The founding faculty held classes at R.A. Long High School. The first graduating class, including seven students, received their associate degrees in 1936.The number of enrolled students doubled in the College’s second year, climbing to 96. As the number of students increased, instruction expanded into the Myklebust building in downtown Longview, and the Moose Hall. The Moose Hall continued to house classes until 1949, when damage from an earthquake caused the building to be condemned. Classes were also held on the first floor of the Longview Public Library. Enrollment continued to increase, with 149 students in 1939, up to 200 in the early 1950s, and finally reached 300 students in 1954. The proportion of female students also increased during that time. In 1948, the College received its first accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is an independent, non-profit membership organization recognized by the United States Department of Education since 1952 and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the regional authority on educational quality and institutional...
.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the College struggled with financial problems, and began to look for its own campus. Twenty-six acres were purchased from the Longview Company in 1942, at a reported bargain price. In 1950, construction began on ―Old Main,‖ LCC’s first permanent building. The original building was slated to have thirteen classrooms, and came with a price tag of a quarter of a million dollars. The Lower Columbia College League, an association of friends of the College, assisted with fundraising efforts to pay for the construction.
After the College had achieved financial stability, it became a part of the Longview School District. In 1961, the College was elevated from a junior college to a community college. In 1967, LCC joined the state-supported community college system. Today, the College includes 27 buildings on 38.75 acres (156,815.8 m²).
Meet the President
Dr. James McLaughlin was appointed President of LCC in July 1997 and has an Ed. D. degree from New Mexico State UniversityNew Mexico State University
New Mexico State University at Las Cruces , is a major land-grant university in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States...
and an M.S. and B.S. from the University of Akron
University of Akron
The University of Akron is a coeducational public research university located in Akron, Ohio, United States. The university is part of the University System of Ohio. It was founded in 1870 as a small college affiliated with the Universalist Church. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of...
. Dr. McLaughlin is past-president of the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, and past Chair of the Kelso-Longview Chamber of Commerce Board. He currently serves on the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council and Cowlitz Economic Development Council, and previously served many years on the Pathways 2020 Board and the Advisory Council to Washington State University Vancouver. He sits on the Board Planning Committee for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and serves as an evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Under his leadership, LCC developed a new strategic plan and defined itself as a Learning College; "placing learning at the center of all we do and working to become better learners ourselves. We are seeing the results of our emphasis on learning and innovation. It is changing the language of the institution and the way we approach our work. Faculty and staff are more engaged than ever in learning and exploration." - Dr. James McLaughlin
Meet the Trustees
Michael Heuer, Chair - Appointed March 2003. Is the Training and Safety Lead for WeyerhaeuserWeyerhaeuser
Weyerhaeuser is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world. It is the world's largest private sector owner of softwood timberland; and the second largest owner of United States timberland, behind Plum Creek Timber...
, the President of Woodworkers in Longview, WA, and is a
Kelso resident.
Heidi Heywood, Vice-Chair - Appointed October 2008. Is a Private practice attorney, a Part-time Superior Court commission and District Court Judge Pro Tem in Wahkiakum County and also resides in Wahkiakum County.
Max Anderson - Appointed June 2006. Is a Registered investment advisor and resides in Longview.
Mindi Linquist - Appointed October 2009. She worked as the Public Affairs manager at the Port of Kalama
Kalama, Washington
Kalama is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. It is part of the 'Longview, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area'. The population was 2,344 at the 2010 census.-History:...
and is a Former SW WA district director for US Senator Patty Murray and also resides in Castle Rock
Castle Rock, Washington
Castle Rock is a city in Cowlitz County, Washington, United States. Nestled between the Willapa Hills and western base of Mount St. Helens, Castle Rock is at the heart of Washington timber country in the Pacific temperate rain forest...
.
Thuy Vo - Appointed December 2004. Is the Owner of VO Printers in Longview and is also a Longview resident.
University Partnerships
Lower Columbia College helps students complete their first two years of a bachelor's degree. LCC has partnered with several colleges and universities like City University of Seattle, Franklin UniversityFranklin University
Founded in 1902, Franklin University is the third-largest private university in Ohio.Classes are taught at five Midwest locations in Ohio and Indiana, as well as online. The university was founded to serve the needs of adult students, and has since grown to become Central Ohio's foremost educator...
and Washington State University - Vancouver
Washington State University Vancouver
Washington State University Vancouver is the Vancouver, Washington branch of Washington State University. WSU Vancouver's approximately campus is located on the southeast side of Mt. Vista approximately eight miles north of the Columbia River...
for a smoother transition. Additional university partnerships include Capella University
Capella University
Capella University is a for-profit co-educational university with partial residency requirements during the course of study, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.The school is owned by the publicly traded Capella Education Company...
, Central Washington University
Central Washington University
Central Washington University, often abbreviated CWU, is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington in the United States.This location was selected by the state legislature as a consolation prize after Ellensburg lost its bid to be state capital...
, DeVry University
DeVry University
DeVry University and DeVry Institute of Technology are divisions of DeVry Inc , a proprietary, for-profit higher education organization that is also the parent organization for Keller Graduate School of Management, Ross University, American University of the Caribbean, Apollo College, Western...
, Evergreen State College, Montana State University - Northern
Montana State University - Northern
Montana State University – Northern is a public state university, part of the Montana State University System, located in Havre, Montana. Montana State University – Northern was known as Northern Montana College prior to the restructuring of Montana's public university system...
, North Central University
North Central University
North Central University is a coeducational, undergraduate, primarily residential college owned and operated by 11 Assemblies of God districts of the upper Midwest. It is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA...
, Portland State University
Portland State University
Portland State University is a public state urban university located in downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 1946, it has the largest overall enrollment of any university in the state of Oregon, including undergraduate and graduate students. It is also the only public university in...
, University of Oregon
University of Oregon
-Colleges and schools:The University of Oregon is organized into eight schools and colleges—six professional schools and colleges, an Arts and Sciences College and an Honors College.- School of Architecture and Allied Arts :...
, University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a for-profit institution of higher learning. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Apollo Group Inc. which is publicly traded , an S&P 500 corporation based in Phoenix, Arizona...
, Washington State University
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public research university based in Pullman, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1890, WSU is the state's original and largest land-grant university...
and Western Governors University
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit, American online university with nearly 30,000 students across the United States and in military bases overseas, as of December 2011. It is a competency-based university...
.
Academics
Lower Columbia College offers an assortment of degrees and certificates programs designed to prepare students for advanced studies or to move directly into the workforce. Working closely with baccalaureate institutions and industry partners, programs have been created that serve the community.There are many fields of study that students can choose from when obtaining a degree or certificate. Associate transfer degrees offered at LCC include but are not limited to Associate in Chemistry Education - Transfer Option 1 / Major Related Program, Associate in Sciences - Transfer Chemistry Degree, Associate in Sciences - Transfer Biology Degree, Associate in Business - Direct Transfer Agreement / Major Related Program Degree, Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Economics degree, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Technology - Associate in Sciences - Transfer Option 2 / Major Related Program Degree, Associate in Math Education - Direct Transfer Agreement / Major Related Program, Associate in Physics Education - Transfer Option 1 / Major Related Program Degree, and an Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement Degree.
Professional/Technical degrees and certificates include Accounting Technician, Business Management, Business Technology—Office, Legal, Medical, Computers—Computing Specialist, Help Desk, Networking, Web Development, Programming
Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Fire Science Technology, Healthcare—Nursing, Medical Assisting, Chemical Dependency Studies, Industrial Trades—Automotive, Diesel/Heavy Equipment, Industrial Maintenance, Machine Trades, Manufacturing, Instrumentation, and Welding.
Activities & Events
The Associated Students of Lower Columbia College (ASLCC) plan student events throughout the year. Students participate in events, activities, clubs and organizations on and off campus year round. There are many clubs and organizations on the LCC campus from the Anime Club to the Transfer Club. Activities & events on campus are posted on the Events Calendar along with the Student Activities page.Athletics
Lower Columbia College participates in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community CollegesNorthwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges
The Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges, commonly called the NWAACC , is a sports association for community colleges in the U.S. states of Oregon and Washington, and the Canadian province of British Columbia....
, also known as the NWAACC. Prior to the formation of the NWAACC, LCC was one of the charter members of the original Washington State Junior College Athletic Conference.
David Story Field, home for Red Devils baseball, is also home to the Cowlitz Black Bears
Cowlitz Black Bears
The Cowlitz Black Bears is an amateur baseball team located in Kelso / Longview, Washington. They play in the West Coast League, a collegiate summer baseball league. The league comprises teams from British Columbia, Oregon and Washington...
of the West Coast League
West Coast League
The West Coast League is a collegiate summer baseball league founded in 2005, comprising teams from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. The league is designed to develop college talent. As such, only current college players are allowed to participate in the league...
, a summer collegiate and professional prospect league.
LCC competes in six intercollegiate
College athletics
College athletics refers primarily to sports and athletic competition organized and funded by institutions of tertiary education . In the United States, college athletics is a two-tiered system. The first tier includes the sports that are sanctioned by one of the collegiate sport governing bodies...
sports, two men's teams and four women's teams.
Men - NWAACC Champions
- Baseball - 1970, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2005, 2010
- Basketball - *1954, 2004, 2005
Women - NWAACC Champions
- Basketball - None
- Soccer - None
- Softball - 1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008.
- Volleyball - 1991
Notable alumni
- Bud BlackBud BlackHarry Ralston "Bud" Black is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher and current manager of the San Diego Padres.-College:Black played two years at Lower Columbia College in Longview...
- Major League Baseball manager for San Diego PadresSan Diego PadresThe San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. - Joe KraemerJoe KraemerJoseph Wayne Kraemer is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played professionally from 1985 to 1994 and in Major League Baseball in 1989 and 1990.- Professional career :...
- Former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Chicago CubsChicago CubsThe Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National... - Rick SweetRick SweetRicky Joe Sweet is a former professional baseball catcher. He played three seasons in Major League Baseball between 1978 and 1983, and has since had a long career as minor and major league coach and minor league manager...
- Minor League Baseball manager for the Louisville BatsLouisville BatsThe Louisville Bats, which play in Louisville, Kentucky, are the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The team, formerly known as the Louisville RiverBats, plays in the International League...
, the top Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
farm club. - Pim WalsmaPim WalsmaPim Walsma is a Dutch baseball player who currently plays for the Amsterdam Pirates and the Dutch national team.He attended Lower Columbia College in the United States...
- Baseball player for the Dutch National Team