Dr. Rachel Solemsaas Named President at North Seattle College
Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, who had been serving in an interim president capacity since September 2023, was named permanent president at North Seattle College, effective July 1.
In announcing the appointment, Seattle Colleges Chancellor Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap said the finalist pool was strong.
“It took me some time to deliberate on the feedback from the community, discussion with the executive team, conversations and feedback with finalist references, and reflection on who would best serve North in this role permanently based on my own interview and assessments,” Dr. Rimando-Chareunsap said. “Dr. Solemsaas has a lifelong commitment to addressing poverty in our communities, and a big heart for the community and students served by North Seattle College.”
The announcement coincided with the naming of Dr. Bradley Lane and Dr. Monica Brown as permanent presidents of Seattle Central College and South Seattle College, respectively. Those colleges, along with North Seattle College, comprise the Seattle Colleges district, the largest community college system in the State of Washington.
Dr. Solemsaas was named interim president at North Seattle College in September 2023. Prior to that, she served seven years as chancellor of Hawai’i Community College in the University of Hawaii system.
“It has been an honor serving as interim president at North Seattle College, and I have learned so much about the amazing community of students, faculty and staff in my short time there,” Dr. Solemsaas said. “I am really looking forward to continuing our important journey and working with such high-caliber people to fulfill our mission of preparing each student for success in life and work.”