New dean of Student Services, registrar at Big Bend

MOSES LAKE — Dawna Haynes was appointed dean of Student Services and Ruth Coffin as registrar at Big Bend Community College.

The two will be splitting some of the duties formerly assigned to BBCC vice-president Cindy Lacher, who retired June 30.

Haynes was assistant dean of students at Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, Colo. “As the dean of student services, Haynes will provide leadership and direction for the operations and activities of students departments at BBCC,” according to a college press release.

Haynes has a bachelor’s degree in administration and a master’s degree in organizational administration, both from Central Michigan University. She has a master’s in secondary education from the University of Phoenix, and is working on a doctoral degree in leadership from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.

Coffin was credentials evaluator before becoming registrar. She said the registrar supervises the admissions process, including class registration and student records and transcripts. Part of her job is to ensure accuracy and privacy of student records. She also reports BBCC enrollment statistics and information to the federal and state governments, she said. A college press release said she provides a “critical college function as supervisor of the admissions and registration office, through which every student attends classes.”

Coffin has a bachelor’s of science degree from Evergreen State College, and has worked at BBCC for a decade.

“Dawna brings relevant professional experience, a new perspective and tremendous enthusiasm for students and their success,” said BBCC president Terry Leas. “She is the right person to help Big Bend build on our successes of the past."

Leas said Coffin has “the proven long-term history, expertise and passion that adds to students’ experience at BBCC.” She said she’s inspired by “brand new-to-college students who leave BBCC with a degree or certificate ready to live their dreams,” whether their goal is getting a better job or continuing their education.

Haynes said she’s “excited to work with a team who inspires Big Bend students not only to think and dream beyond boundaries, but also to act on their aspirations. We do amazing work here, and I am honored to be part of the Big Bend family.”