SPSCC staffer a finalist for Advocate of the Year

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) recently announced that a staff member has been named as a finalist for The Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA) Advocate of the Year award.  

Anne Molenda, Director of K12 Partnerships and Recruitment, demonstrated extraordinary commitment to students and has had a lasting impact across the district, according to a press release from SPSCC.

She helped to ensure students’ ability to enroll in dual credit programs and diminish barriers to vital resources. Her leadership has made dual enrollment programs more accessible and equitable, states the press release, helping students navigate complex processes so they don’t miss out on valuable opportunities due to systemic challenges. 

Molenda said she was surprised and touched when she found out she was nominated. At her job, she oversees college outreach efforts and the Assessment Center, as well as dual credit program admissions and enrollment for Running Start and College in the High School. 

 “Essentially, my staff are responsible for everything from the time someone thinks they are interested in SPSCC to getting signed up for new student orientation and enrolling in their first quarter of classes,” Molenda said.

She’s coming up on 20 years as an SPSCC employee, with about five years in her current position.  

“Every day I get to help people from as young as 14 to as old as 75 figure out what they want to do and how SPSCC can support getting them there,” Molenda said.

“Being a community college, we serve our entire community and that is something I take a lot of pride in.” 

Molenda said dual credit programs hold a special place in her heart because she was a Running Start student with SPSCC her senior year of high school. She said she loves working with students on future-oriented endeavors.  

 “The work of dual credit programs is shared between the college and high school partners. I am fortunate to work alongside many dedicated and talented individuals — some for many, many years! I love that we all have a driving passion toward helping high school students use dual credit programs to support taking that next step post-secondary, whatever goals they have set for themselves,” Molenda said.

“My work allows me to find creative solutions to problems and be a resource to counselors, registrars, and career center specialists in the high schools. I am honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated professionals who share a passion for helping students succeed in their education and beyond.” 

The nomination came from a partner high school counselor Molenda works with at Yelm High School, and highlighted some of the collaborative work they’ve done in retaining dual-access credit amid difficult budget cuts that the district is experiencing. 

Yelm High School Counselor Sarah Williams was impacted by Molenda’s work and shared in a letter for recommendation to WSCA.

“Anne's leadership is characterized by her willingness to go the extra mile, her attention to detail, and her unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students," Williams wrote.

Molenda added,  “The nomination highlighted for me how the relationships I’ve built with our high schools are so important. By working together in the quiet times, it’s put a foundation in place for these more volatile times where there’s trust and respect and a driving value of doing what is best for our shared students.” 

 SPSCC President Dr. Timothy Stokes also spoke highly of Molenda and said he’s proud of her recognition.

“Anne has been instrumental in strengthening our relationships with school counselors and ensuring students have seamless access to higher education," Stokes said.