By Eric Trent
There’s a new Vice President of Instruction coming to town and her name’s Sharon Buck.
Vice President of Instruction is responsible for directing academic programs and instructional delivery.
Buck is currently the Dean of Instruction, Transportation and Applied Technologies at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, Washington.
Winning the job over five other final candidates, Buck will likely take over duties at the start of Winter Quarter 2016.
“It feels absolutely wonderful to have been selected to be Peninsula’s next Vice President of Instruction,” Buck said.
“I am really looking forward to becoming part of community here. I am both humbled by the experience and the honor and simultaneously very excited to begin the journey,” Buck added.
Buck replaces former VPI Dr. Mary O’Neil Garrett who retired in 2014.
Interim Vice President of Instruction Brinton Sprague has held the VPI position since Garrett’s retirement.
Anticipating her arrival, Buck detailed some of the future goals she’s set for herself at Peninsula College.
“First, getting to know everyone and to fully understand the many great programs and initiatives that are at the core of our work together in the future. I want to listen,” Buck said.
“One of the big draws for me is knowing that I am going to be supporting, leading and collaborating on many exciting ongoing initiatives and giving lift to the many ideas that are already in progress, as well as those that will emerge after I arrive,”
“So keeping the momentum moving forward is a real goal for me, as we discover and build that road together,” Buck said.
Buck also talked about the unique culture Peninsula College has created on its campus and expressed her eagerness to get started.
“There are many aspects of the college that are innovative. Peninsula is engaged in trend-setting work, even if they have been doing this for some time; the teacher scholar work, and the engagement of students in undergraduate research is one such idea that has moved from innovation to best practice, yet still not widespread,”
Peninsula College’s connectedness with the community and it’s dedication to higher learning were also perks for Buck.
“This campus has what I consider to be porous borders in work with our greater community. I find this fully engaging. I cannot wait to be part of this.
“Across the campus there are many, many examples of stellar work and deep dedication combined with practices that engage students and create learning.
“I can’t wait to join this learning community. Great work and enthusiasm are very contagious. Peninsula has both bursting all over. I can’t wait to join in,” Buck said.
