Inaugural Class of SVC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management
Twenty-three students are the first to earn a BAS-AM degree at SVC
Skagit Valley College is proud to announce that 23 students will graduate this month with their Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management. They represent the inaugural class of students to earn their BAS-AM degree at SVC.
The inaugural BAS-AM class began in Fall 2018 and its members represent a variety of workforce backgrounds, including Aviation Maintenance, Business, Education, Computer Information Systems, General Studies, Human Services, Office Technology, and Paralegal Studies. The class has an average age of 35, and those who identify as female, represent 66% of the members.
SVC’s BAS-AM program is a two-year, career-oriented degree designed for those who have completed an associate’s degree (AAS-T, AAS, or ATA). The 90-credit program combines upper-level managerial and general education courses to provide
occupationally contextualized business skills and knowledge for advancement to managerial-level positions or to operate an entrepreneurial venture.
With a focus on excellence, Skagit Valley College aligns its Workforce Education programs with regional and state economic development strategies. By maintaining strong connections with community leaders and key partnerships with business and industry, SVC provides training that responds to employer needs. The BAS-AM degree is flexible, affordable, and is designed to accommodate working adults who want to build management skills and advance professionally.
This cohort heard from a number of exceptional guest instructors and speakers who represent diverse sectors throughout the community, including: Dr. Tom Keegan, SVC President; Dr. Ed Jaramillo, SVC Vice President for Administrative Services; Kevin Meenaghan, retired US Navy Captain and Chief Strategist and President Wardroom Success Strategies; George Santino, singer, author, and retired Microsoft executive; Dr. Carl Brunner, retired Superintendent at Mount Vernon School District; Judge Laura Riquelme, Skagit County Superior Court; Lara Merriam-Smith, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services at NW Innovation Resource Center; Captain Matthew Arny, Commanding Officer NAS Whidbey Island; Tina Tate, Executive Director of Friendship House, Matt Ray, SVP, Market President at Heritage Bank NW; David Ryberg, Financial Advisor with Baird Wealth Management, Paul Aegerter M.Sc. - Athlon Solutions: Clean Water Act Regulation & Compliance; Lester Keel Senior E.E. - Marathon Oil: Clean Air Act Regulation & Compliance; Cliff Palmer M.Sc. - SVC: National Environmental Protection Act & Env. Impacts Assessment, and Chris Robertson - WA Dept. of Natural Resources: Puget Shoreline Restoration.
About Applied Bachelor degrees in Washington: Some individuals earn a non-transfer, professional/technical degree at a community or technical college and later decide to pursue a bachelor's degree. In response to that need, many community and technical colleges in Washington, including Skagit Valley College, now offer applied bachelor’s degrees where people can take two more years of upper-level coursework to earn their four-year degree. Those with work and family responsibilities can pursue their degree where they live, work, and raise their families.
The 2020 inaugural class of BAS-AM graduates are:
Tanna J Renee Baker
Anacortes
Flora Cruz
Mount Vernon
Hailee A. Denadel
Lynden
Torstein J. Early
Mount Vernon
Ashley Mae Farnsworth
Bellingham
Aynslie S. Glendenning
Sedro‑Woolley
Shailene R. Gronemyer
Mount Vernon
Shannon G. Heinzman
Sedro‑Woolley
James A. Hoffman
Mount Vernon
Amanda IvieReichardt
Mount Vernon
Lindzey O. Jaderlund
Burlington
Brandon Dean Johnson
Mount Vernon
Thomas D. Long
Sedro‑Woolley
Cameron O. Mings
Mount Vernon
Richard J. Moore III
Mount Vernon
Juan Alfonso Morales Grajeda
Mount Vernon
Pearle Marie Roos Peterson
Anacortes
Christopher Lloyd Sadler
Mount Vernon, WA
Ajoney S. Smalls
Oak Harbor, WA
Justin S. Smock
Marysville
Christine Stewart
Marblemount
Al Willis
Mount Vernon
Dawn Winters
Mount Vernon
Applications are being accepted for the BAS-AM Applied Management track. Interested individuals must attend a virtual program briefing before applying. The general management track has an upper limit of 25 participants.
For program information, or to register for a program briefing, visit www.skagit.edu/basam, or contact Sunaina Virendra (Sue-nay-nah Ver-en-dra), Applied Management Instructor and Program Chair basam@skagit.edu. # # #
Equity in Access, Achievement, and Community