Built by Community, Growing with Purpose
Bellevue College opened in 1966 with just 500 students and a dream: to bring higher education to the Eastside. From classes in high school portables to a 96-acre campus, the college quickly became a hub of innovation and inclusion.
Just one year after its opening, the institution joined Washington’s new statewide community college system as Bellevue Community College. Its Board of Trustees selected its first president, Dr. Merle E. Landerholm, that same year. By the end of 1967, construction began on a new college campus – a 96-acre, $6 million project that would open in 1969 and go on to become the campus the community knows and loves today.
1970s
Throughout the 1970s, Bellevue College expanded rapidly, adding academic buildings, the Carlson Theatre, the Willard Geer Planetarium, athletics, childcare, and career training facilities. The college also strengthened its commitment to inclusion by creating the Minority Affairs Program, the Black Student Union, women’s athletics, and a women’s center. The first student newspaper, called “The Jibsheet”, the college’s KBCS radio station, and early instructional technologies helped shape a vibrant campus culture.
1980s-90s
By the 1980s and 1990s, Bellevue Community College embraced emerging technologies and expanded access through telecourses, cable-based instruction, and later its first website. Enrollment surged in 1992 with the launch of Running Start, allowing high school students to earn college credit. Under President B. Jean Floten’s 22-year leadership, the college introduced pioneering programs in information technology, healthcare, aerospace, and biotechnology. New academic buildings, student services, and a National Science Foundation–funded technology center supported this transformation.
2000s
In the early 2000s, Bellevue Community College became a statewide leader in online education, student support services, and equity-centered initiatives. In 2006, it became the first community college in Washington to establish an Office of Equity and Pluralism. Its growing national reputation was recognized with multiple equity and leadership awards.
A defining milestone came in 2009, when Bellevue Community College officially became Bellevue College and began offering applied bachelor’s degrees. Since then, the college has grown to offer 15 bachelor’s degrees across healthcare, technology, business, STEM, and design, including Washington’s first community college Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Sustainability also became a core pillar of the college’s identity. Bellevue College signed the national Climate Commitment in 2007, developed a Climate Action Plan, created an Office of Sustainability, and set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050.
2010s to Today
In the 2010s, Bellevue College launched cutting-edge instructional technologies including virtual reality, artificial intelligence programs, and the RISE Learning Institute. New campus additions included a residence hall, Student Success Center, and expanded innovation spaces.
Today, Bellevue College continues to honor its legacy of firsts, growth, and opportunity, serving thousands of students with diverse programs and a commitment to innovation. Bellevue College is Washington’s largest open-access college and a nationally recognized leader in equity, innovation, and student success. With new academic facilities under development and renewed mission, vision, and values adopted in 2025, Bellevue College will continue its 60-year legacy of transforming lives through education.