Rep. Larsen visits Skagit Valley College interim President

Larsen and Keegan discuss college enrollment, new programs, and federal funding priorities.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:48am

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U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen visited Skagit Valley College on Tuesday to meet with interim college President Tom Keegan. They discussed the state of the college, including increased enrollment in the Running Start program for high school students, the addition of a new baking track in the culinary program, and the college's nine bachelor's degree programs. Keegan also mentioned the Maestros Para el Pueblo program, which partners with Western Washington University to train multilingual students to become teachers in the local school districts.

Why it matters

As a longtime representative for the area, Larsen's visit highlights his ongoing engagement with higher education issues and the role Skagit Valley College plays in providing educational opportunities and workforce development for the region.

The details

During the visit, Keegan told Larsen that the college is focused on securing continued federal funding for student financial aid and adult education programs. Keegan also said the U.S. Department of Education has expressed interest in reviewing the college's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and their impact on higher education in Skagit County.

  • Keegan became interim president of Skagit Valley College in February 2026 after the previous president, Christopher Villa, was fired.
  • The Maestros Para el Pueblo program, which trains multilingual students to become teachers, started at Skagit Valley College in 2014.

The players

Rick Larsen

A U.S. Representative who has been a long-time advocate for higher education in the region.

Tom Keegan

The interim president of Skagit Valley College, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2022.

Christopher Villa

The former president of Skagit Valley College who was fired in February 2026.

Maestros Para el Pueblo

A program offered at Skagit Valley College in partnership with Western Washington University that trains multilingual students to become teachers in the local school districts.

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What they’re saying

“(Rep. Larsen) been a great representative for the area but certainly for higher education. He understands the role the college plays (in) general education, the pathway for students and the role we play in providing educated workers.”

— Tom Keegan, Interim President, Skagit Valley College

The takeaway

Skagit Valley College is focused on expanding educational opportunities, including new degree programs and partnerships, while also working to secure continued federal funding support for student aid and adult education initiatives. The college's engagement with Congressman Larsen highlights its role as a key community institution in the region.