PORT ANGELES — Bruce Hattendorf has been appointed vice president for instruction at Peninsula College.
Hattendorf had been serving in the role on an interim basis since October 2023 when Steven Thomas left to become interim vice president for instruction at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham.
At the time, the college said it would conduct a competitive national search for Thomas’ permanent replacement and hoped to make an announcement by the end of 2023.
Instead, President Suzy Ames solicited input from staff and faculty about Hattendorf’s qualifications and decided to make his appointment permanent.
“I was pleased at the overwhelming responses I received,” said Ames in a Jan. 18 press release. “The feedback confirmed Dr. Hattendorf is a respected instructional leader who is well deserving of this leadership role at Peninsula College.”
Hattendorf began his career at Peninsula College as an English professor in 1999 and earned tenure in 2008. He moved into administration in 2011 when he became associate dean for arts and sciences instruction, and he was promoted to dean in 2015.
He most recently served as dean for the Center for Equity, Teaching and Learning. The college is in the process of starting a national competitive search for that position.
“I am excited to support the great work of our faculty and instructional services staff,” Hattendorf said in the press release. “I look forward to collaborating with President Ames and the PC community to build connections, grow our programs, and provide innovative and equitable teaching and learning.”
Hattendorf earned a bachelor’s degree in comparative literature from Indiana University, a master’s degree in English education from New York University and a doctorate in community college leadership from Oregon State University.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
