Just this last summer, Shoreline Community College made their first four-year major available to students: a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. This major milestone has sparked a big question: will the college’s name change to simply “Shoreline College”?
President Jack Kahn explained that a vote among the college’s board of trustees in the near future will ultimately decide the name. Some members feel strongly about keeping “community,” deeming it central to Shoreline’s intimate atmosphere and an important articulation of togetherness. Kahn acknowledged that “it’s more complicated than just changing the name,” but he emphasized that the college’s overall academic scope will not be expanded by this name change.
To better understand the impact of such a change, Kahn reached out to other small local colleges that have experienced similar transitions. The president of Edmonds College shared that about 80% of their students and staff approved dropping “community” and 20% were strongly opposed. Kahn and his administration are now working to gather similar input from Shoreline’s community before the final vote is made.
If the new name is enacted, Shoreline’s marketing team will face a large and costly project in updating signage, logos, and merchandise. However, much of the department is excited about this prospect, viewing it as a chance to refresh the college’s visual identity. Shoreline has a rich history of various logos, shades of green, sports teams, and clubs.
A more traditional and superficially distinguished name may attract more out-of-state and international students. Conversely, the removal of “community” may alienate local residents and decrease enrollment from the surrounding area.
“Having the name doesn’t mean that you act in that way … but I even struggle with [dropping “community”] a bit,” Kahn expressed. “I’m very community-centered.” During Kahn’s post-COVID presidency, Shoreline has worked to reanimate connections among students, staff, and the local community by reestablishing dozens of classes and communal events on campus. The proposal of a change in name is not only a marketing strategy but a reflection of the college’s evolving mission and academics.
What is your opinion about our name? Should we keep or drop “community”? Let us know in the comments!
