On Dec. 11, 2025, Dr. Jamilyn Penn became Highline College’s new interim president. Penn is no stranger to the institution, having served as the college’s vice president for student services since November of 2021.
A dedicated champion for student success, Penn brings broad leadership experience within Washington’s community and technical college system, having served as dean at both Lake Washington Institute of Technology and Clover Park Technical College and later as statewide director of transfer education for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Earlier in her career, she was a program supervisor at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, overseeing budgeting and compliance for 295 school districts.
“My career has been guided by a simple belief: when we remove barriers and invest in students, entire communities benefit,” Penn said. “I’m deeply committed to expanding access, strengthening pathways, and ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed—whether they’re just beginning their education or transferring to achieve their long-term goals,”
Penn began her professional career as a special education teacher in Texas and later became a tenured English faculty member in Washington’s community college system. She holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Northeastern University, a master’s in English from Radford University, and a bachelor’s in English and Paralegal Studies from James Madison University.
“I have a high degree of trust and confidence in Dr. Penn and in her appointment as interim president,” Sharmila Swenson, Highline College board of trustees chair, said. “She has demonstrated strong leadership in her time as Vice President of Student Services, working with colleagues to increase enrollment and strengthen support structures as the college emerged from the pandemic. Dr. Penn’s education and experience, at Highline College and throughout the state provides the college a visionary leader during this time of growth and transition.”
Penn is a 2023 Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership fellow and a 2024 Aspen Rising Presidents fellow, both nationally respected programs that prepare leaders for executive service in higher education. She took office after former college president Dr. John Mosby stepped down over health concerns, and will serve until a permanent candidate can be found.