The Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) Board of Trustees has unanimously voted on the motion to direct the president to engage in the development and formalization of the Lewis-Clark Valley Regional Healthcare Consortium. This authorization, if the consortium unites, provides resources which could include advocacy, financial, and educational support. The decision marks a significant step toward maintaining the healthcare workforce in the region.
The proposed consortium is a collaborative effort between WWCC and regional healthcare providers to establish a sustainable funding model for the Clarkston nursing program. Two regional hospitals have already submitted letters of intent to participate, and at least two additional hospitals are expected to join the effort.
If there is sufficient commitment to sharing the financial cost associated with operations, WWCC expects to continue offering nursing education at its Clarkston campus and accept applications for the next cohort of nursing students.
“This is an important step forward for our students, our healthcare partners, and for rural hospitals.” said WWCC President Chad Hickox. “We know how vital this program is to our region, and we are grateful to the healthcare organizations and community members who have come together to explore a sustainable path forward. While there is still work to be done, this vote demonstrates our commitment to finding solutions that serve both our students and our communities.”
The effort comes amid significant financial challenges facing WWCC and Washington’s community and technical college system. State budget reductions and changes to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges’ funding allocation model have forced WWCC to make substantial budget cuts over the past year, with additional reductions imminent.
As part of its response to these financial pressures, WWCC previously announced a phased transition to its Clarkston campus, including a two-year teach-out for students, including those in the nursing program. However, college leadership and regional healthcare partners have worked diligently to identify an alternative that would allow the nursing program to continue.
President Hickox, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health Jennifer Clayton, and Interim Assistant Dean of Nursing Ilona Pease-Verwer have led the college’s efforts to develop the consortium, working closely with regional healthcare leaders to explore a shared financial commitment to nursing education.
The proposed agreement would establish a five-year pilot project designed to maintain the sustainability of the Clarkston nursing program. Under the agreement, participating healthcare organizations could share resources to support advocacy efforts and the financial needs to support program costs. The model would also include provisions allowing any participating organization, including WWCC, to withdraw from the consortium. Details of this clause, along with other metrics, will be developed as part of consortium work.
“This partnership recognizes that educating the next generation of nurses is a shared responsibility,” said Hickox. “Our healthcare providers need skilled nurses, our students need access to quality education close to home, and our communities need a strong healthcare workforce. By working together, we have an opportunity to meet all three needs.”
While the Board’s vote authorizes WWCC to move forward with the consortium, the continuation of the Clarkston nursing program remains contingent on securing sufficient financial commitments and finalizing agreements with participating healthcare organizations.
If those commitments are secured, the college and its partners will immediately begin formal planning and implementation to prepare for the next cohort of nursing students. Applications for the Clarkston nursing program would be accepted during the upcoming admissions cycle.
If the consortium does not secure sufficient financial support, WWCC will proceed with the previously announced two-year teach-out plan, ensuring currently enrolled students have the opportunity to complete their education.
WWCC will provide additional information about the consortium, participating healthcare organizations, and nursing program admissions as agreements are finalized.