Bellevue College (BC) is a public college in Bellevue, Washington. It is the largest of the 34 institutions that make up the Washington Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) system and the third-largest institution of higher education in the state (behind the University of Washington and Washington State University).

The institution offers transfer associate degree programs, bachelor's degree programs, professional-technical degrees and certifications, a continuing education program, pre-college programs for high school students, basic education for adults, parent education, and workforce development. BC also offers specialized education degrees and support programs for students with disabilities and accessibility needs.

BC's service district includes the public school districts of Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Skykomish and Snoqualmie Valley. The current president of BC is David May, who previously served as interim president of Eastern Washington University.

History

In February 2020, BC unveiled "Never Again Is Now", a mural by artist Erin Shigaki that depicts two Japanese American children who were sent to internment camps during World War II. The mural's caption included a reference to Bellevue businessman Miller Freeman, a prominent anti-Japanese activist, which was removed by Vice President of Institutional Advancement Gayle Colston Barge. The change in caption sparked outcry from students and the Asian American community, resulting in Barge being placed on administrative leave. Barge and BC President Jerry Weber, who defended her actions, announced their resignations on March 2.

Former Washington governor Gary Locke was named the college's interim president on May 28, 2020. Locke was the twenty-first governor of Washington State and later served in the Obama Administration as U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and as the tenth Ambassador to China. His time as BC president concluded in July 2023.

Campus media
BC operates an FM radio station, KBCS, from its campus. The station began broadcasting on Monday, February 5, 1973, as a 10-watt, student-run station and has grown to comprise a full-time staff and a large roster of community volunteers. It is primarily listener-supported, with two-thirds of its budget coming from listener donations; the balance comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations.

BC broadcasts select classes, lectures, games involving BC athletic teams, and other programming via its television station, called the College Channel.

The Watchdog is the student newspaper for BC. It has been published weekly since 1967 and covers local news, college issues, and campus life and events The newspaper receives its funding from the BC Services and Activities committee in addition to print and digital advertisements.

References

External links
 Official website
 The Watchdog (student newspaper)

 
Two-year colleges in the United States
Universities and colleges in Bellevue, Washington
Universities and colleges established in 1966
Universities and colleges accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Seattle metropolitan area
1966 establishments in Washington (state)
Community colleges in Washington (state)