Dr. David Mitchell, CEO of Olympic College, was among five people and one organization named as Washington State Association of College Trustees’ 2015 ACT Award winners. The annual award recognizes dedication to Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges and the nearly 388,000 students they serve each year.

Under Dr. Mitchell’s leadership, Olympic College was one of the first six community and technical colleges to offer an applied baccalaureate program. The college was a top 10 finalist for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The institute noted that 90 percent of Olympic apprenticeships complete their programs, and all of those students were placed in jobs. It also recognized that Olympic graduates earn 80 percent more than the region’s other new hires.

The other award winners are:

• Trustee Leadership Award: Greg Bever, Community Colleges of Spokane.

• Partner of the Year: Samaritan Healthcare, Moses Lake, nominated by Big Bend Community College.

• Equity Award: Terry Kinzel, Big Bend Community College.

• Faculty Member Award: Dr. Ryann Leonard, Big Bend Community College.

• Professional Staff Member Award: Carl Young, Skagit Valley College.