Dr. Tonya Drake, Regional Vice President for the Northwest at Western Governors University, is a recognized leader in expanding access to quality, workforce-relevant higher education. She has held pivotal roles at Edmonds, Shoreline, and Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona State University, and the University of Washington. Named one of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s 100 Most Influential Leaders in 2024 and a Seattle Business Magazine “Daring Woman,” she serves on the Association of Washington Business’ board and United Way of Snohomish County’s executive committee. Drake holds degrees from Arizona State University, the University of Washington, and Lower Columbia College and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College’s leadership program.
Areas of Expertise:
- Higher education leadership and administration
- Fostering student success for all learners
- Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Policy development and advocacy
- Community college systems and university pathways
- Organizational change and institutional effectiveness
- Public speaking and thought leadership
- Fundraising and external relations
- Student access and success strategies
- Workforce development and adult learners
Education:
- Arizona State University Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership and Policy Studies
- Arizona State University Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher and Postsecondary Education
- University of Washington Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business
- Lower Columbia College Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Pre-Business
Interests:
- Expanding educational access for all
- Supporting nontraditional and working adult learners
- Advancing policy to improve student outcomes
- Engaging with community organizations and policymakers
- Leadership development and mentoring
- Innovation in higher education
- Public service and community impact
- Women's leadership in education and beyond
Areas of Expertise:
- Higher education leadership and administration
- Fostering student success for all learners
- Strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Policy development and advocacy
- Community college systems and university pathways
- Organizational change and institutional effectiveness
- Public speaking and thought leadership
- Fundraising and external relations
- Student access and success strategies
- Workforce development and adult learners
Education:
- Arizona State University Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership and Policy Studies
- Arizona State University Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher and Postsecondary Education
- University of Washington Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Business
- Lower Columbia College Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Pre-Business
Interests:
- Expanding educational access for all
- Supporting nontraditional and working adult learners
- Advancing policy to improve student outcomes
- Engaging with community organizations and policymakers
- Leadership development and mentoring
- Innovation in higher education
- Public service and community impact
- Women's leadership in education and beyond
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