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Governor Gary Locke began his term as Interim President at Bellevue College on June 15, 2020. He is a nontraditional college president candidate with a passion for education policy. During his tenure at the College, Governor Locke wants to encourage a cultural shift on campus, provide stability, and elevate the college’s stature as it searches for a permanent president.

Governor Locke is the first Chinese American to be elected governor in United States history and the first Asian American governor on the mainland. In his two terms as Governor, Washington was ranked one of America’s four best-managed states.

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Interim Bellevue College President and lead the institution at this critical time. I am humbled by the Board of Trustees’ trust in me” said Governor Locke. “Bellevue College is known for innovation, outstanding faculty and students, and courses and programs that meet the needs and desires of its diverse students and community. I am eager to help build on and expand that regional and national reputation. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, and the community, we must focus on bringing healing to the campus and continuing to provide enriching education despite this challenging environment of COVID-19 and financial crisis.”

During the Obama administration, Governor Locke served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and most recently as U.S. Ambassador to China. Governor Locke attended Yale University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and received his law degree from Boston University.

Governor Locke is a leader in education, employment, trade, health care, human rights, immigration reform, privacy, and the environment. His innovations in government efficiency, customer focus, priority-based budgeting, as well as successful and under-budget management of high-risk initiatives, have won him acclaim from nationally recognized authors and organizations, including Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

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