President's Bio
Dr. Gerald Pumphrey took on the role of South Puget Sound Community College’s second president as of Aug. 1, 2006. He came to the college after serving five years as president of Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham, Washington, where he has been commended for his efforts in strengthening the community. At BTC, Pumphrey worked towards aiding local job market needs alongside those of students and job-seekers -- a goal that will carry on into his time at South Puget Sound Community College. Dr. Pumphrey has also received acclaim for leading BTC toward more international exchanges and diversity on campus. South Puget Sound Community College welcomes these community-strengthening goals, anticipating the thoughtful leadership that will carry the college into a new era.
Before his presidency at Bellingham Technical College, Dr. Pumphrey spent six years serving Guilford Technical Community College, where he gained experience in many positions, working his way from Director of Workforce Preparedness to Dean of Instruction and finally as Vice President of Instruction. Dr. Pumphrey has also worked for the Department of Community Colleges in Raleigh, North Carolina, at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and he originally attended Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida, before moving on to Florida State University for a B.A. in English.
Beyond the experience of working with community and technical college institutions, Dr. Pumphrey has studied their theory extensively, having received an M.A. in Industrial Education and Technology at Appalachian State University, and a Doctor of Education in Vocational/Technical Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from Clemson University.
Dr. Pumphrey has participated in numerous community organizations and committees, and been at the head of an impressive list of funded proposals. He will be continuing participation in community leadership in the years to come at South Puget Sound Community College.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, he enjoys playing instrumental folk music, reading modern fiction and woodworking.