Division Deans

   Meet the Deans

Arts & Sciences (AS)

I have a little history at YVC (37 years) and am happy to be returning after a brief retirement. I am a low-income, first-generation college student who graduated from CWU, and am proud to have held classified, exempt, admin, and adjunct faculty roles spanning TRiO SSS & UB, DSS, Student Services, Grandview Campus, College & Career Readiness, and now Arts & Sciences.

I am fortunate to have three wonderful sons (two in Denver and one here in Yakima), all with phenomenal partners, a gentleman grandson attending Kamiakin HS, and a beautiful 7-month-old grand-daughter who I get to see often. Besides living for them, I enjoy hiking, jogging, cycling, fantasy football, and home projects. At some point I'll figure out how to squeeze travel in there. :-)


I'm excited to be back on team YVC.

picture of Marc in his office with the word inspire behind him

Dean of Arts & Sciences,
Marc Coomer

 

College & Career Readiness

Grandview Campus Dean

Pedro Navarrete is a lifelong member of the Yakima valley and has served in multiple roles in higher education in both instruction and student services at different institutions. The dean role of College & Career Readiness and Grandview Campus encompasses a wide range of academic, student services, and administrative services at multiple locations across the YVC service district. Pedro holds a bachelor's degree from Central Washington University and a Master of Science from Indiana State University. He joined YVC in Fall of 2018.

Motto: “Step up, work hard, and make a difference”  J.R.

image of Pedro in YVC graduation

Dean of CCR and Grandview,
Pedro Navarrete

 

Student Services

Leslie Blackaby earned her M.S. in Organization Development from Central Washington University and her Bachelor’s from Seattle Pacific University.   Before serving as Dean of Student Services, she had the pleasure of working in the field of student financial aid and enrollment services, giving her the opportunity to work at the Colorado Institute of Art, Art Institute of Seattle, Lake Washington Institute of Technology and Bellevue College.  She joined YVC in August of 2000.

Picture of Student Services Dean, Leslie Blackaby

Dean Student Services,
Leslie Blackaby

 

Workforce Education 

Dr. Field serves as the Dean for Workforce Education and Applied Baccalaureate Programs.  Prior to this appointment, Field served in a variety of roles in both community college and university settings, along with the K-12 system.  Higher education experience includes student services, advising, adjunct faculty, applied baccalaureate programs and university centers.  Dr. Field has a varied educational journey with a Doctorate in Adult Higher Education from Oregon State University, a Master’s in Business Administration from City University of Seattle and a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from the University of Idaho. Dean Field enjoys leading college workforce initiatives that support student success and access to the workforce in our community.  

1928 Yakima Valley College logo black and white

Dean of Workforce Education,
Skye Field

 
 

SO 2024