Highline welcomes back Dr. Rolita Ezeonu as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs after the termination of Dr. Emily Lardner last quarter. Dr. Ezeonu has served as Interim VPAA in the past, from April 2017 to June 2018, before spending the past several years at Green River Community College as the Vice President of Instruction.

“Coming back now feels like a full-circle moment, an opportunity to rejoin a community that aligns with my values and am ready to contribute and be of service during a meaningful time in Highline’s journey,” Dr. Ezeonu said.

“Highline has always held a special place in my heart. It’s where I grew into my leadership, first as a faculty member, then as a dean, and later as interim vice president…Highline shaped my understanding of what an inclusive and supportive community should look and feel like: one rooted in love, care, kindness, and purpose,” Dr. Ezeonu said. “It pushed my thinking around equity, diversity, and lifelong learning. It’s where I saw firsthand the transformational power of equity-driven education and collaborated with colleagues who deeply believed in the mission of the community college.” 

Highline College President Dr. John Mosby said, “Highline is so fortunate to have a veteran educator such as Dr. Ezeonu who will help continue our mission, values and goals for the next year. And as a bonus she had worked at Highline for many years prior to her time at Green River. I am very, very happy.” 

Dr. Ezeonu will be Interim VPAA until Dec. 30, as the search for a permanent VPAA ensues. Dr. Mosby assures that the VPAA hiring committee will consist of “primarily academic affairs with some representatives from other areas of campus.” 

When asked if she planned on applying for the permanent position, Dr. Ezeonu said, “Any decision will come with thoughtful reflection and meaningful discernment… I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve in this interim role. Right now, my focus is on doing the work in front of me, supporting and serving the campu, and providing my leadership during this transitional time, and helping Highline thrive.” 

Dr. Ezeonu’s interim role is expected to last the next eight months, in which her “focus is on stabilizing and supporting instructional leadership, strengthening communication, and continuing to ensure academic excellence across all areas of Academic Affairs while honoring the great work that already has been done over the past seven years. Overall, it is about ensuring continuity through change, staying focused on the mission while keeping students at the center.”

Speaking of Dr. Ezeonu’s return to Highline, an anonymous faculty member said, “her leadership style, which emphasizes authenticity and inclusivity, offers a hopeful start to a new era of collaboration and understanding on our campus. I look forward to seeing her vision unfold and how it will impact our community, particularly in addressing the harm caused by Dr. Lardner’s actions.” 

The Thunderword asked the administration about acknowledging damage caused by Dr. Lardner and what concrete steps leadership will be taking to rectify the damage. Dr. Ezeonu said, “I understand that people are in different places emotionally and professionally. My  leadership approach centers on deep listening, transparency, and creating space for meaningful dialogue.”

“I’m committed to being a bridge-builder, rebuilding trust, fostering collaboration, and  nurturing a shared vision that prioritizes respect, inclusion, and accountability,” Ezeonu continued. “My goal is not to erase the past but to honor and learn from everyone’s experiences while guiding us forward together with love and care.”

One faculty member said, “Dr. Ezeonu’s return to Highline is a promising development. Her background at the college along with her experience in creating pathways for minority groups to access higher education suggests that she will prioritize healing and inclusivity.” 

Another anonymous faculty member shared their hope and “vision for healing” they’d like to see from leadership: “To show a strong vision for healing, our leadership must prioritize accountability for past harm. This involves acknowledging the injustices that occurred under Dr. Lardner’s tenure and taking concrete steps to rectify them.”

“It’s crucial to establish clear policies and procedures for addressing grievances and ensuring that those responsible for harm are held accountable,” they continued. “Leadership should engage in open dialogue with affected staff and students to understand their concerns and work collaboratively to implement meaningful reforms.” 

“Our vision is to continue to be a student-centered institution, one that not only meets  students where they are but proactively helps them reach their academic and personal goals,” said Dr. Ezeonu about her vision for Highline College and steps the leadership team is taking to get there. 

“That means continuing to improve retention, completion, and transfer pathways and  moving students towards economic and social mobility while ensuring students feel seen,  supported, and celebrated. We’re doing this through strategic planning, equity-centered  initiatives, and open, transparent decision-making.” 

Dr. Ezeonu is a longtime Highline Thunderbird. She began in the Communication Studies Department at Highline after completing her Master of Arts at Washington State University. She taught a multitude of communication classes, eventually rising to Dean of Instruction for Transfer and Pre College Education. 

“What’s been especially poignant is reconnecting with people I’ve known for almost two decades and meeting new faculty, staff, and administrators who bring positive energy and  unwavering commitment to our students,” said Dr. Ezeonu.

After the VPAA position for Highline College was filled by Dr. Lardner in 2018, Dr. Ezeonu left Highline to become the Vice President of Instruction at Green River College, where she worked with many familiar Highline faces.

“First and foremost, I want to say how incredibly thankful and blessed I feel to have served  as the first Asian Pacific Islander Vice President of Instruction at Green River College. My time there was filled with growth, learning, and connection and I worked closely with faculty, staff and Instructional leadership team in making a positive impact on the  institution and the Southeast King County community. Lastly, I was shaped and stretched  in meaningful ways as a leader and learned so much and had the privilege of building  strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and administrators,” said Dr. Ezeonu.

Some faculty across the colleges viewed Dr. Ezeonu’s move as a step down, going from a permanent position, the VP of Instruction, to an Interim VPAA spot. The Thunderword asked her how she viewed the transition: 

“Sometimes opportunities align with a specific moment in your personal and professional journey… Returning to Highline was a decision rooted in timing, alignment of values, and a heartfelt desire to serve a community that has shaped who I am. I felt I could contribute meaningfully during this time of transition and help support a place that continues to matter deeply to me.” 

Dr. Ezeonu’s history with Highline provides a unique perspective on what the college was like pre-pandemic. “So much of what makes Highline special remains: the commitment to equity, dedication to creating a culture of sense of belonging, and the deep service and care to our students.” 

“But coming back after nearly seven years, I’ve also seen how much has changed—how  much work has gone into rebuilding, growing enrollment, and strengthening student  retention and completion,” said Dr. Ezeonu. “The campus, like many across the country, has endured and adapted through a global pandemic, racial and social injustices, and shifting national policies.”

Dr. Ezeonu’s Seattle University biography reads, “[Her] experience with social justice and equity runs deep. Her community work includes partnerships and collaboration with local school districts, community-based organizations, business, religious organizations, and industry that serve incumbent workers, low-income, out-of-school youth, immigrant and refugee populations, and students of color.” 

For the next eight months, Highline’s leadership team will be continuing work on outreach and equity projects. As for Federal Administration attacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, it remains unclear what steps Highline is taking to protect its immigrant and LGBTQ+ student population. 

Dr. Mosby agreed to take questions from the Thunderword about Dr. Ezeonu’s return and what Highline is doing to protect students, though responses have not been received at the time of publishing this article. Look for his responses in a future edition of the Thunderword.