Dr. Barry Robinson has joined Whatcom Community College (WCC) as Vice President for Instruction. Dr. Robinson joined WCC on March 28, 2022, coming from Seattle Central College where he served as the Executive Dean of Healthcare and Human Services.
Prior to his teaching career at the community college and university levels, he was engaged in clinical research at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington.
His research career began with investigating peripheral neuropathy associated with HIV-1 infection and spanned various viral entities.
“We welcome Dr. Barry Robinson to our community. His knowledge, skills and experience will enhance and build upon WCC’s culture of excellence and our foundational goal of success for every student,” said Kathi Hiyane-Brown, WCC President.
“I was drawn to Whatcom Community College for a variety of reasons, but primarily due to the opportunities I see around the College’s strong Cybersecurity presence, and the outreach and connection Whatcom has with the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribes,” he says. “I love the campus and am impressed with the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality everyone has shown me,” said Dr. Robinson, WCC VP Instruction.
Dr. Robinson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brescia College (Brescia University) in Kentucky. He continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology with an emphasis in Microbial Stream Ecology. His doctorate was earned from the University of Kentucky in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, and he subsequently finished his graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of Neurology as a Trainee with an emphasis in peripheral neuropathy associated with viral infection focusing on HIV-1 infections.
Dr. Robinson looks forward to getting involved with the Whatcom County community as a representative of WCC. “In my past roles at colleges and universities I became known as “the walking administrator” – one of the best things about the college experience is the ability to walk around campus saying hello to people and hoping to bring a smile to the faces of those I greet,” said Dr. Robinson.
In his free time, Dr. Robinson enjoys getting out into nature, taking photos, being engulfed in various cultural situations gained through traveling and creating relationships in the surrounding communities. He also enjoys sharing time with his family and friends.
About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington is regularly recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation for student outcomes. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, offers two bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer degrees, career and workforce preparation, online courses, and community education classes. New high school graduates, laid-off workers, seasoned employees, future university students—all students count on WCC to support their academic and career goals. For more information, visit www.whatcom.edu.
