Message from the Chairman

Dear Cornish College of the Arts Community,

I am thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees has extended President Dr. Raymond Tymas-Jones’ contract for another five years through June 30, 2028.

Dr. Tymas-Jones’ leadership has been vital through what could only be characterized as the most challenging time in Cornish’s history. Leading any institution of higher education through the pandemic would have been a challenge — but an arts college in an urban environment presented unique hurdles that had to be overcome. Dr. Tymas-Jones’ steady hand, alongside a cabinet of professional and thoughtful leaders, dedicated faculty and staff, and a creative and agile student body, got us through this crisis. During this most difficult time, Dr. Tymas-Jones’ tireless work was critical to the college’s continued operation.

In addition, Dr. Tymas-Jones has continued to increase Cornish’s visibility in the community by building relationships with key stakeholders, such as the Downtown Seattle Association, local technology and higher education institutions, city government, and influential leaders. In addition, President Tymas-Jones serves on the boards of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design and the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP). Creating Cornish+ promises to increase the college’s visibility while unlocking new revenue opportunities to support future growth.

New applications for admission are now higher than in immediate pre-pandemic years. The number of students admitted for the 2023/24 school year has us on track to achieve an ambitious enrollment goal for the coming year.

Meanwhile, the Cornish Toward 2030 campaign was remarkable, raising more than $10.8 million to support students, programs, and instruction. Additionally, three new facilities have come online — the Jon and Mary Shirley Fabrication Studio, The Behnke Family Gallery, and Raisbeck Auditorium.

These are among the many reasons we are grateful Dr. Tymas-Jones will join us for another term as president. In that time, we will continue to seek feedback from the Cornish community on the board’s and administration’s leadership and decision-making. As always, I invite individuals to contact me directly to provide feedback at any time.

Thank you for being part of the Cornish community, and please join me in celebrating Dr. Tymas-Jones’s continued leadership of this fine institution.

Emily Parkhurst

Chairman

Cornish College of the Arts