Kent man named interim vice president at Highline College

Saovra ‘Sy’ Ear knows challenges of college for first-generation students of color

  • Wednesday, November 14, 2018 11:08am
  • News
Saovra “Sy” Ear

Saovra “Sy” Ear

A Cambodian refugee whose American college experience shaped his life and career has been named interim vice president at Highline College.

Kent’s Saovra “Sy” Ear will oversee the college’s Student Services division beginning Nov. 26.

“The experience of my family as refugees instilled the value of education as a way to move into the middle class,” said Ear, who grew up in a low-income household of seven.

But the college experience itself was a challenge, especially for someone whose parents didn’t attend college and couldn’t offer advice. College life can be complex. His struggles stuck with him, leading him to a career helping all students succeed in college.

“My experience as a student and professional shaped who I am today as an educational leader,” he said.

In leading the Student Services division, Ear will oversee a variety of services and programs to promote student access, retention and completion.

Highline President John Mosby highlighted Ear’s passion and commitment to the community college mission of transforming lives and communities.

“He values inclusive excellence and collaboration in his efforts to create opportunities for all students to succeed,” Mosby said in a message to Highline’s campus community.

Mosby noted that Ear has developed and implemented effective organizational processes and innovative programs during nearly two decades serving students in Washington’s community colleges. His efforts have increased student enrollment and completion while advancing equity and social justice.

“I am a strong believer in the mission of community colleges to increase and promote equitable student success,” Ear said.

Ear traces his passion for equity and social justice from his lived experience as a refugee, first-generation student and student of color.

His journey to the United States began when he was 2 years old, when he and his family left Cambodia. They spent three years in a refugee camp in Thailand before arriving in the U.S. when he was 5. After a stint on the East Coast, the family settled in South King County, where they’ve spent the past 31 years.

A 15-year resident of Kent, Ear believes his connection to the South King County community will be an advantage in his new role.

“A lot of time, especially in this case, the college is the heart and soul of the community,” he said. “I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to go to Highline in a leadership role. I look forward to serving my community.”

At Highline, he looks forward to serving the college’s diverse student population where more than 70 percent are students of color, making it the most diverse higher education institution in the state.

Currently, he oversees the Enrollment and Entry Services areas at Edmonds Community College. He also served as interim vice president for Edmonds’ Student Services division.

In addition to his work at Edmonds, Ear spent time at Green River College and at South Seattle College in a number of areas, including advising, ELL transition services and financial aid.

He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma and his master’s degree in student development administration from Seattle University.

Ear’s interim appointment will end Dec. 31, 2019. In the spring of 2019, the college will begin the search for a permanent replacement for Toni Castro, who left the position in September 2018.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Cancer Center is open and ready to serve South King County

Cancer patients can now receive treatment at the Valley Medical Center in Renton.

t
Kent officers part of CW ‘Police 24/7’ episode Thursday night, Feb. 6

Department also part of future episodes after CW crews responded on calls with police in 2024

An Amtrak train in Kent. FILE PHOTO, STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter
Pedestrian, 30, dies in Kent collision with Amtrak train | Update

Medical examiner identifies Kent man struck Wednesday evening, Feb. 5 near East Titus Street

t
NTSB rules pilot lost control in 2023 Kent small plane crash

Pilot and passenger were injured; pilot flew without receiving training in plane model’s operation

Courtesy Photo, King County
Man receives 35-year sentence for 2021 Kent killing of mother

Duane Bates borrowed pipe wrench from neighbor in beating death and later returned it

A city of Kent Public Works crew member chains up a truck Feb. 3 to help clear snow from streets. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
Kent schools closed for 3rd consecutive day due to icy conditions

Kent School District cancels classes on Wednesday, Feb. 5

t
World Relief office in Kent faces challenging refugee crisis

Trump’s executive order to suspend refugee resettlement directly impacts nonprofit

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent schools closed Tuesday, Feb. 4 due to icy roads

Second consecutive day of no school due to road conditions

Courtesy Photo, City of Kent
Kent Severe Weather Shelter to be open nights of Feb. 3-7

Shelter downtown at Holy Spirit Church will operate from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night

t
Kent Police hire officer who fatally shot Kansas man while on duty

Officer previously worked for Olathe Police Department; remains subject of wrongful death lawsuit

Calvin Watts. COURTESY FILE PHOTO, Kent School District
Ex-Kent schools’ superintendent Watts fired from Georgia job

Gwinnett County board terminates superintendent contract; Watts left Kent in 2021 for position