Norma B. Whitacre has more than 15 years of successful community college leadership experience. An instructional administrator throughout her career, she has also had responsibility for student services, budgets, facility planning and representing her college in the community. She is a lifelong learner with a strong academic background. Norma enjoys family activities and support, providing balance to her busy life.
She began her career at the Tacoma Community College Gig Harbor Center where she was hired as a Coordinator and progressed to Director and then to Associate Dean. As the center administrator and educational leader, she had the opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff and the community to collaboratively plan and open a new college facility. This included developing and offering expanded educational degrees and student services as well as managing budget, building and equipment activities.
As Cascadia Community College’s Vice-President for Business and Enterprise, Norma was a member of the start up team for the newest Washington Community College. Her role was to help create the college vision and lead major parts of the college including: developing and offering new educational programs, faculty selection and support, administrative services and the college-wide budget.
At Bellevue College, Norma has been the manager for a Title III grant and Dean of Instructional Services. Her work has included: creating a new instructional leadership professional development program, expanding part-time faculty orientation and support services, streamlining instructional budgeting processes, and facilitating university articulations and College in the High School programs. She teaches child development part-time in the Early Learning and Teacher Preparation department.
Norma has an Associate of Arts Degree from Green River Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Washington University and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Puget Sound.
Currently living in Washington State, Norma spends her free time with family and friends. She particularly enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, Bill, and daughter, Amanda. Her favorite sports are skiing, hiking and biking.
