On July 19, 2012, Over 65 Participants From 40 Institutions and Organizations from across Washington State came together for an inaugural meeting to determine whether there is interest in a collective approach to promoting the value of a liberal arts education. By the end of this meeting, it was agreed that a group should be formed to undertake a variety of projects intended to create a positive change in the public dialogue about liberal education in the State and nationally. Further deliberation throughout the summer resulted in the name and mission statement.
In its first year, WaCLA formed a steering committee, created and ran an undergraduate student essay contest on the value of a liberal arts education and a WaCLA logo contest for undergraduate graphic design programs (resulting in the logo used on this site). Additionally, WaCLA has attempted to reach a broader constituency by publishing op-ed pieces across the state. Some of these pieces have introduced the winners of our first annual essay contest, have made the case for the compatibility of STEM and non-STEM disciplines, and have articulated the societal value of the humanities. Collectively, the goal has been to demonstrate the importance and vibrancy of the liberal arts.
Past Initiatives
2014 Employer-Educator Forum
The Employer-Educator Forum is a way for leaders from higher education institutions to engage in purposeful dialogue with local and regional employer representatives and policy leaders about creating more intentional partnerships that give college students hands-on learning experiences that will be useful for their careers.
WaCLA logo
The WaCLA logo was created through a contest in 2013. Rachael Becker and the Graphic Design Club of Spokane Falls Community College were selected as the winners. The club received the prize of $2,000.
The judges had a difficult job but chose this entry as the best amongst the several entries received. We would like to thank the judges for their work on this contest, and they are:
- Derek Brandes, Vice President of Instruction, Green River Community College
- Vickie Shields, Dean, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Social Work, Eastern Washington University
- Deborah Teed, Dean of Social Sciences and Business, South Puget Sound Community College
- Gray Kochhar-Lindgren, Associate Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Learning, University of Washington, Bothell
- Alison Stevens, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, North Seattle Community College