WWCC board backs partnership to save Clarkston nursing program
By Dan Thesman on Friday, October 30th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla Community College Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to pursue a regional healthcare partnership aimed at saving the nursing program at its Clarkston campus from impending closure.
The board authorized college President Chad Hickox to help develop the Lewis-Clark Valley Regional Healthcare Consortium. The proposed five-year pilot project seeks to establish a shared funding model with local hospitals to cover operational costs, advocacy, and educational resources.
Two regional hospitals have submitted letters of intent to participate, and officials expect at least two more to join.
State budget reductions and shifts in funding formulas have forced significant cuts across Washington’s community college system. WWCC previously announced plans to phase out operations at Clarkston, which included a two-year teach-out period for current nursing students.
College leaders, including Hickox and nursing deans Jennifer Clayton and Ilona Pease-Verwer, worked with healthcare providers to craft an alternative to closure.
“This partnership recognizes that educating the next generation of nurses is a shared responsibility,” Hickox said. “Our healthcare providers need skilled nurses, our students need access to quality education close to home, and our communities need a strong healthcare workforce.”
Officials stressed that the Clarkston program’s future hinges on securing firm financial commitments. If partners finalize agreements, WWCC will accept nursing applications for the upcoming admissions cycle. Without adequate funding, the college will proceed with the two-year teach-out plan. The proposed consortium will not affect the nursing program at the main Walla Walla campus, which continues normal operations.
