tcc archive

The Community's College Since 1965

Tacoma Community College: The Community's College

TCC opened to the public on Sept. 13, 1965, and faculty taught their first classes on Sept. 27, 1965. Now, 60 years later, TCC has served more than half a million students.

While two-year colleges existed in Washington state prior to 1965, legislation prevented their expansion into areas already served by a four-year college. Pierce County was home to two such institutions, but both were private, making their cost inaccessible to many. The surge in post-World War II college attendance rates prompted the need for change in how the United States higher educational system was supported. The Tacoma School District already had a community college proposal ready when Washington removed restrictions in 1961. The following year, voters overwhelmingly approved funds for construction, and the city granted the initial land. A community college in Tacoma was approved in 1963. Support from the greater Tacoma community was instrumental to this success, and included bond voters, editorials by the Tacoma News Tribune, and letters of support from organizations such as the AFL-CIO, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Soroptimist Club, South Tacoma Business Group, Tacoma and Fircrest mayors, and Tacoma Parent Teacher Association. This support was rewarded with the opening of the community’s college in Fall 1965.

campus commons

Mission, Vision & Values

Our mission, vision, and values reflect who we are, what we stand for, and how we shape learning experiences that are inclusive, responsive, and future-focused. They serve as a compass for our decisions and a foundation for cultivating exceptional learning.

Mission

As the community’s college, we create meaningful learning, advance equity, and strengthen student and community success.

Vision

We engage students where they are, leading to equitable opportunities for success in learning, life and work.

Values

Community, Responsibility, Integrity, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Agility, Excellence

TCC Bridge

Core Themes: Strategic Plan

Since the college was founded, there have always been students, employees, and community members who have pushed the college to be the best possible version of itself. Their aspirations inform our Strategic Plan, which ensures that our decisions are directed by our Mission, Vision and Values. TCC’s current Strategic Plan has four Core Themes:

  • Advancing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Cultivating Exceptional Learning
  • Strengthening Community Partnerships
  • Enhancing Institutional Vitality

These Core Themes will help us evaluate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for TCC, and meet them in accordance with our values.

Explore Six Decades of TCC

This digital exhibition highlights the four themes that celebrate Tacoma Community College's 60 years of service, learning, and community connection.  Visit the 60th anniversary page or explore the full exhibitions: