News

Lower Columbia College is offering more tuition waivers for athletes than ever before thanks to a recent change at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

The Daily News | Dec 13, 2024

Meet Beni, the llama from Ridgefield. Beni came to support the students of Lower Columbia College during their Finals Week Session.

The Daily News | Dec 05, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team was named co-champion in the community college division of the Mahaffey Memorial Tournament hosted by Linfield University.

The Daily News | Nov 20, 2024

A new Small Business Development Center office on the Lower Columbia College campus will provide local entrepreneurs free guidance on every step of running a small business, from fleshing out a new idea to exporting goods internationally.

The Daily News | Nov 19, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team was named co-champion in the community college division of team sweepstakes at the 94th annual Mahaffey Memorial Tournament, hosted by Linfield University. This long-running event is regarded as one of the most competitive tournaments in the region.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Nov 17, 2024

The LCC Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team won third place in overall team sweepstakes and placed first among community colleges

The Daily News | Oct 31, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team won third place in overall team sweepstakes and placed first among community colleges at the Clark and Rae Peters Invitational tournament hosted by Pacific University.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 28, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team opened the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) season with a dominant showing at the Steve Hunt Classic tournament, hosted by Lewis & Clark College.

Alex Brehm - LCC Fighting Smelt | Oct 14, 2024

Ronald Stecker will be honored as the 2024 Lower Columbia College Alumnus of the Year at LCC’s 90th Anniversary Celebration Friday.

The Daily News | Oct 01, 2024

Lower Columbia College Summer 2024 Honors List

Effectiveness and College Relations | Sep 12, 2024

Lower Columbia College (LCC) and the Lower Columbia College Foundation (LCCF) are pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Ronald Stecker as the 2024 LCC Alumnus of the Year. The LCCF Alumni of the Year award acknowledges Lower Columbia College alumni who have made significant contributions to the community and whose accomplishments, relationships, and careers have exemplified the legacy of excellence at LCC.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Sep 11, 2024

Through Sept. 12, the school’s Forsberg Gallery will host “River of the West,” an exhibition from Oregon artist Gabe Babcock. The exhibit depicts the Columbia River throughout history and focuses on the relationship humans have with it through a series of five art installations, according to the artist.

The Daily News | Aug 28, 2024

Lower Columbia College’s (LCC) automotive technology program has received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Training Program accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation.

The Wahkiakum County Eagle | Aug 15, 2024

Lower Columbia College's automotive technology program to teach students how to diagnose and repair complex issues in vehicles has received a top accreditation.

The Daily News | Jul 31, 2024

Lower Columbia College's (LCC) automotive technology program has received Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Training Program accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Jul 30, 2024

Local Julius A Wendt 5th grade teacher Jamie Brown was awarded the Whites-Reinhardt Award for excellence in teaching agriculture literacy at the conference, themed “Agriculture Elevated.”

Wahkiakum County Eagle | Jul 29, 2024

A long-awaited renovation to the grandstands, pressbox and training facilities of the baseball field at Lower Columbia College has received the greenlight after the school’s foundation matched $1.3 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce in 2023.

The Daily News | Jul 19, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Foundation is honoring Richard C. Nau, MD, by naming the Nursing Simulation Laboratory on the second floor of the Health Science Building after him. Dr. Nau recently pledged $300,000 to support the college’s Student Success Fund.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Jul 16, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Foundation is naming the Health Science Building's second-floor nursing simulation laboratory after Richard C. Nau in honor of his donations to Lower Columbia College's Student Success Fund.

The Daily News | Jul 11, 2024

Spring 2024 Lower Columbia College Honors List

Effectiveness and College Relations | Jul 02, 2024

Notable accomplishments in higher education aren't restricted solely to prestigious universities. Earlier this month, we reported on Morgan Salisbury, an instructor of earth sciences at Lower Columbia College.

The Daily News | Jun 20, 2024

Those that put in the work behind the scenes often do so without the glory of recognition. However, that will soon change for Mark Morris boys basketball assistant coach, Steve Kloke, and Lower Columbia College athletic director, Kirc Roland.

The Daily News | Jun 17, 2024

Lower Columbia College Instructor of Earth Sciences Morgan Salisbury received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in earth science education to Bolivia for the 2024-25 academic year. He is the first Fulbright Scholar at LCC.

The Daily News | Jun 12, 2024

Dr. Morgan Salisbury, Instructor of Earth Sciences at LCC, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in Earth Science Education to Bolivia for the 2024-2025 academic year.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Jun 12, 2024

A fundraiser to help Lower Columbia College students overcome financial burdens and finish their degrees has raised more than $28,000.

The Daily News | Jun 11, 2024

Multicultural Graduation Night will take place at the Anderson Family Pavilion at LCC. This year’s theme is “From every corner, a shared humanity.”

They Daily News | Jun 10, 2024

Thirteen student-athletes have been named to the NFCA’s 2024 Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) All-America team, the Association announced on Thursday.

NFCA | May 16, 2024

Lower Columbia College is now offering its third bachelor’s program: a nursing program which kicks off in the fall.

The Daily News | May 15, 2024

David Wallis has left an embattled job at the city of Longview to be the I.T. director for Lower Columbia College.

The Daily News | May 06, 2024

Micah Boursaw, Isha Sarah Snow, and Lillian Williams-Chambers, members of the 2024 All Washington Academic Team, were recognized at a ceremony in Lacey, WA on April 25, 2024.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Apr 30, 2024

The drive raises money for the Lower Columbia College Student Success Fund, which creates grants to help students overcome financial humps that might otherwise force them to drop out of school.

The Daily News | Apr 27, 2024

The drive raises money for the Lower Columbia College Student Success Fund, which creates grants to help students overcome financial humps that might otherwise force them to drop out of school.

The Daily News | Apr 13, 2024

For the third year in a row, the Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team had multiple members medal at the Phi Rho Pi national tournament.

The Daily News | Apr 11, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team earned several awards and other honors at Phi Rho Pi Nationals in Reno, NV. Phi Rho Pi is the national forensic association representing two-year colleges.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Apr 09, 2024

Higher education has taken advantage of the funding stream, receiving more than $1 billion in the last two federal budgets.

Inside Higher Ed | Apr 03, 2024

For nine years, The Daily News has hosted the Students in Need fundraiser, together with the LCC foundation.

The Daily News | Mar 30, 2024

Opportunity can’t wait. With unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, we strive to ensure that every individual in our community has access to the resources needed to fulfill their potential.

The Daily News | Mar 28, 2024

Lower Columbia College Winter 2024 Honors List

Effectiveness and College Relations | Mar 25, 2024

Matt Seimears, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Eastern Oregon University, has been selected as president of Lower Columbia College, in Washington.

Inside Higher Ed | Mar 24, 2024

Lower Columbia College truly lives up to their commitment to "transform lives through education.

The Daily News | Mar 24, 2024

Poet and author Dayle Olson is scheduled to be featured at Lower Columbia College’s April 18 Northwest Voices event.

The Daily News | Mar 22, 2024

Lower Columbia announced the hire of Troy Shorey to replace Carri Smith as the head volleyball coach on Wednesday.

The Daily News | Mar 21, 2024

Thanks to U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Lower Columbia College will receive $1 million to equip the college’s planned Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Mar 18, 2024

The decision to become a nurse was a “lightning bolt moment” that came out of nowhere for Lower Columbia College student Kayla Wood.

The Daily News | Mar 15, 2024

Lower Columbia College's planned Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies is one of 15 such centers Southwest Washington set to receive federal funding from a package of spending bills signed Saturday.

The Daily News | Mar 15, 2024

Lower Columbia College: Softball Facilities: $700,00

Flannery Publications | Mar 13, 2024

Along-time Lower Columbia College professor lost his job after his four-year relationship with a student was investigated by the Longview school.

The Daily News | Mar 12, 2024

Lower Columbia College in Longview is opening food service at 10 a.m. Tuesday after a water main issue previously closed services.

The Daily News | Mar 12, 2024

The Daily News | Mar 04, 2024

It was a night to honor and reminisce the stars of Lower Columbia’s past Wednesday at Myklebust Gymnasium. Four of the best athletes to ever don the red and white for the Red Devils were inducted into the Red Devils’ Hall of Fame in front of a full house of LCC supporters.

The Daily News | Feb 23, 2024

On Wednesday night, Lower Columbia College ushered in a new class of Hall of Famers. The list of honorees includes athletes and teams that left a lasting impact in the local community.

The Daily News | Feb 22, 2024

Lilian Hale, the stepdaughter of 19th District Rep. Joel McEntire, R-Cathlamet, a U.S. Marine Corps reservist, will temporarily serve as his replacement at the end of the legislative session.

The Chronical | Feb 19, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech and Debate Team competed last weekend along with nine colleges and universities in the 51st annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic hosted by LCC.

The Daily News | Feb 16, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team hosted and competed at the 51st Annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic on February 10-11. Nine colleges and universities attended, with 70 students competing across 13 different speech and debate events.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Feb 13, 2024

Lower Columbia College will feature pop culture critic, teacher and author Douglas Wolk at Monday’s Northwest Voices event.

The Daily News | Feb 08, 2024

Douglas Wolk is a pop culture critic, teacher and writer, and the author of All of the Marvels, Reading Comics and 33 1/3: Live at the Apollo.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Feb 06, 2024

Students completed four exercises and were judged on their technique by industry experts. Jessica Moore was one of the judges, she teaches in the Department of Industrial Technology at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington.

KGW8 | Feb 05, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt speech and debate team recently finished first place in debate and second in speech in the last conference designated tournament of the season.

The Daily News | Jan 31, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team earned multiple team and individual honors at the Fred Scheller Invitational tournament at Pacific University – the final Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) Designated Tournament of the season.

Effecrtivess and College Relations | Jan 29, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Foundation named alumni Nadine and David Coburn as the 2023-24 Benefactors of the Year, an award that honors benefactors whose charitable support or volunteer service has made a significant impact on the college and community.

The Daily News | Jan 19, 2024

Northwest Voices Celebrates writers of the Pacific Northwest. In collaboration with the Longview Public Library, NW Voices Presents author and poet Debra Elisa Wöhrmann. Join in the dialogue and participate in the workshop.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Jan 12, 2024

The Lower Columbia College Foundation has named David and Nadine Coburn as the 2023-24 Benefactors of the Year. Benefactor honorees have a history of providing charitable financial support to the foundation, and/or significant volunteer service to the college. Most notably, contributions from honorees have had major impacts on the college, its programs, students, and the community.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Jan 12, 2024

Starting with practicing law and then running a sand and gravel company, retiring Lower Columbia College president Chris Bailey’s path to LCC wasn’t the most typical. Now, he’s stepped down after a 12-year tenure.

The Daily News | Jan 06, 2024

Fall 2023 Honors List

Effectiveness and College Relations | Dec 28, 2023

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe made a $1 million gift to Lower Columbia College and the Lower Columbia College Foundation, LCC announced Monday.

The Chronicle | Dec 19, 2023

Lower Columbia College (LCC) and the Lower Columbia College Foundation (LCCF) are pleased to announce receipt of a $1 million-dollar gift from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Dec 19, 2023

Residents at a retirement home in Longview read to over a dozen preschool students earlier this month as a way to encourage literacy even before kids can read.

The Daily News | Dec 18, 2023

Lower Columbia College in southwest Washington is looking to the Legislature to fund its new Center for Vocational and Transitional Studies building in the upcoming session.

Public News Service | Dec 18, 2023

Like many Head Start programs nationwide, Lower Columbia College Head Start, Early Head Start and ECEAP (Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program) is struggling to find enough staff to function at full capacity.

The Daily News | Dec 12, 2023

When Robert A. Long built R.A. Long High School in 1928, the plan was to offer Longview’s young people as comprehensive an education as possible; he wanted not just a high school, but a junior college and a vocational educational building as well.

The Daily News | Dec 09, 2023

The Lower Columbia College speech and debate team finished first in the two-year college sweepstakes for debate and speech at the Earl Wells Virtual Speakeasy, and third among all schools in overall team sweepstakes. The competition was hosted Saturday and Sunday by Oregon State University.

The Daily News | Dec 05, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team closed their fall quarter competition slate by competing at the Earl Wells Virtual Speakeasy tournament, hosted by Oregon State University.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Dec 04, 2023

John and Cathy Natt donated $1 million to Lower Columbia College to honor Longview’s centennial and as part of the LCC Foundation’s “Opportunity Can’t Wait” capital campaign, LCC announced Tuesday. The gift will go toward the John and Cathy Natt endowment and unrestricted funds.

The Daily News | Nov 28, 2023

Lower Columbia College (LCC) and the Lower Columbia College Foundation (LCCF) are pleased to announce receipt of a million-dollar gift from John and Cathy Natt. The gift, given in honor of Longview’s centennial and the LCCF’s “Opportunity Can’t Wait” capital campaign, will go toward the John and Cathy Natt Endowment and unrestricted funds.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Nov 28, 2023

A group of quilters gather every Wednesday to make quilts for children in LCC's Head Start program.

The Daily News | Nov 24, 2023

The “value of college” is a complex, frequently debated, and often misunderstood concept. While there is ample evidence to demonstrate that the rewards of college are well worth the investment, perceptions vary across political, gender and other demographic lines.

The Daily News | Nov 17, 2023

Eastern Oregon University Interim Provost Matt Seimears will take over as president of Lower Columbia College in January, the LCC Board of Trustees announced Wednesday.

The Daily News | Nov 17, 2023

After graduating at the top of her class from LCC, Inez Freeman transferred to Reed College—where she was the sole African American student enrolled. In 1947, she walked into a cocktail bar and a racist incident occurred.

Reed Magazine | Nov 17, 2023

Eastern Oregon University Interim Provost Matt Seimears will take over as president of Lower Columbia College in January, the LCC Board of Trustees announced Wednesday.

The Daily News | Nov 16, 2023

LONGVIEW, WA - Today Dr. Matt Seimears was named the next president of Lower Columbia College (LCC). The selection was made during a board of trustees meeting, where trustees voted unanimously on his appointment.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Nov 16, 2023

Congratulations to 2023 Nursing Graduate Quiana Daniels, recipient of a Health Care Leadership Award from the Puget Sound Business Journal. She will be honored as one of three “Up and Comer” award winners at a ceremony in Seattle in December.

Effectiveness and College Relations | Nov 14, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt speech and debate team finished in 11th place overall and fourth place among community colleges in the 93rd annual Mahaffey Memorial Tournament.

Northwest Georgia News | Nov 14, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt speech and debate team finished in 11th place overall and fourth place among community colleges in the 93rd annual Mahaffey Memorial Tournament.

The Daily News | Nov 14, 2023

The Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) recently announced the winning schools for the 2022-23 Presidents Cup for overall academic achievement. In the Dick McClain Division (schools with six or fewer sports) Lower Columbia is the winner.

Lower Columbia College | Oct 30, 2023

Lower Columbia College won the Northwest Athletics Conference 2022-23 Presidents Cup for overall academic achievement.

The Daily News | Oct 27, 2023

Our campus is hosting the U.S. Army Field Band to provide a FREE concert in the RCA Wollenberg Auditorium on Sunday, October 29th.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 27, 2023

NWAC Women’s Soccer: Lower Columbia secures NWAC West title

The Daily News | Oct 26, 2023

The Red Devils of Longview emphatically displayed that mindset in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over the Penguins at Kim Christiansen Field, which secured LCC a second straight NWAC West Region title with one game left in the regular season.

The Columbian | Oct 25, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Foundation received a $3.6 million gift from the Charles “Chuck” L. Klawitter Estate, the second largest gift in the foundation's history, according to a press release. The endowment will provide almost $200,000 in unrestricted support to be used for LCC's highest priorities in perpetuity.

The Daily News | Oct 24, 2023

The Lower Columbia College (LCC) Foundation is pleased to announce receipt of the remaining $3.6 million of the Charles “Chuck” L. Klawitter Estate, resulting in the second largest gift in the Foundation’s history.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 24, 2023

After a temporary closure to expand services, the Lower Columbia College (LCC) Food for Thought Food Pantry will celebrate its reopening at an open house from 11 am - 2 pm on October 24, 2023.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 24, 2023

The board of trustees of Lower Columbia College announced the selection of four finalists for the position of college president: Chato Hazelbaker, Roman Hernandez, David Pelkey, and Matt Seimears.

The Daily News | Oct 24, 2023

The Board of Trustees of Lower Columbia College (LCC) is pleased to announce the selection of four finalists to be considered for the next college president: Chato Hazelbaker, Roman Hernandez, David Pelkey, and Matt Seimears.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 24, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt speech and debate team placed fourth in the recent Steve Hunt Classic speech and debate tournament at Lewis & Clark College in Portland.

The Daily News | Oct 20, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team finished 4th place in 2-year college sweepstakes at the Steve Hunt Classic tournament hosted by Lewis & Clark College. This was the second tournament of the year for the Fighting Smelt, and it also kicked off the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) season.

LCC Effectivess and College Relations | Oct 20, 2023

A local credit union is supporting the Longview hospital foundation’s charitable food program and the local community college’s fundraiser to upgrade facilities and provide scholarships.

The Daily News | Oct 16, 2023

A collaboration between Lower Columbia College (LCC), the LCC Foundation, Kelso Recreation Council, Rose Foundation, Cowlitz County, City of Kelso, Kelso Girls Softball Association, Cheney Foundation, Rotary Club of Kelso, and Kelso High School resulting in substantial upgrades to the softball field at Tam O’Shanter Park is a home run for female youth, high school and college athletes.

LCC Effectiveness and College Relations | Oct 12, 2023

Portland poet Debra Elisa Wöhrmann is set to read her debut collection of poem. Wöhrmann taught at Lower Columbia College in Longview for a decade.

The Daily News | Oct 08, 2023

Coordinated Care is proud to announce the 10 organizations receiving 2023 Community Scholarships. This is part of the health plan's efforts to reinvest dollars into Washington communities.

Coordinated Care | Sep 28, 2023

The Lower Columbia College Foundation announced Jeane Wirkkala Moksness as the winner of the 2023 LCC Alumna of the Year award.

The Daily News | Sep 28, 2023

LCC 2023 Alumna of the year Jeane Moksness.

Cassy Rosales | Sep 27, 2023

Congratulations to those that achieved LCC's President's and Dean's List awards!

Lower Columbia College | Sep 12, 2023

College students from Longview’s sister city of Wako, Japan are in town for two weeks as part of a revival of the cities’ exchange programs that were paused during COVID. photo courtesy of Katelyn Metzger.

The Daily News | Aug 12, 2023

On July 13, a U.S. House budget subcommittee adopted a proposal to dramatically slice up the Head Start program — making over 800,000 of our country’s most vulnerable children victims of the ongoing budget battles in Washington, D.C. According to national experts, roughly 80,000 Head Start children could be dropped from the program on Oct. 1 — 1,379 just in the state of Washington.

The Seattle Times | Aug 06, 2023

Afundraiser to help Lower Columbia College students overcome financial burdens and finish their degrees surpassed its goal by about $4,300.

The Daily News | Jul 06, 2023

Congratulations to those that achieved LCC's President's and Dean's List awards!

Lower Columbia College | Jun 28, 2023

Lower Columbia College students graduated Friday at Kelso High School's Schroeder Field. The ceremony included speakers and a presentation of the Scholastic Achievement Award winners.

The Daily News | Jun 17, 2023

Parlin joins another former Monarchs’ legend in LCC coach Mickey Polis while staying in the Longview area where he established himself as one of the premier athletes in the region during his four years at Mark Morris. He also became the 34th Monarch to join the Red Devils.

The Daily News | Jun 13, 2023

Lower Columbia College has announced that Perry Technical Institute graduates can now transfer credit toward earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and Technical Management (BAS-OLTM) at LCC.

Wahkiakum County Eagle | Jun 08, 2023

Lower Columbia College (LCC) will hold its 87th annual commencement ceremony in-person at the Kelso High School stadium on June 16. The ceremony, which will also be livestreamed, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Wahkiakum County Eagle | Jun 08, 2023

A former Lower Columbia College employee agreed to pay an $8,000 fine after an investigation found she received financial aid for classes she never took, according to the Washington State Executive Ethics Board.

The Daily News | Jun 08, 2023

Lower Columbia College is gearing up for its 87th annual commencement ceremony, set to take place at 6:30 p.m. on June 16 at the Kelso High School stadium. For those unable to attend, the ceremony will also be livestreamed.

The Daily News | Jun 06, 2023

Emerson, a Lower Columbia College faculty member, now wants to offer those puzzles to the public. The suggested donation price is $5 each.

The Daily News | Jun 03, 2023

Lower Columbia College (LCC) President Chris Bailey announced his retirement effective January 1, 2024 during the college's Board of Trustees meeting on May 17, 2023.

The Wahkiakum County Eagle | May 25, 2023

Perry Technical Institute (Perry Tech) has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) to create a transfer pathway for students towards a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Organizational Leadership & Technical Management (BAS-OLTM).

Perry Technical Institute | May 24, 2023

The drive raises money for the Lower Columbia College Student Success Fund, which creates grants to help students overcome financial humps that might otherwise force them to drop out of school.

The Daily News | May 19, 2023

Lower Columbia College fired a financial aid employee in December after an investigation revealed she received a total of $8,000 in financial aid for a class she never took, according to a Washington State Auditor’s Office report.

The Daily News | May 19, 2023

Lower Columbia College is saying goodbye to its president of more than a decade, who announced his retirement Wednesday.

The Daily News | May 18, 2023

Lower Columbia College (LCC) President Chris Bailey announced his retirement effective January 1, 2024 during the college’s Board of Trustees meeting on May 17, 2023.

Wendy Hall | May 18, 2023

The Daily News’ Students in Need drive has reached $30,585.75. The drive raises money for the Lower Columbia College Student Success Fund, which creates grants to help students overcome financial humps that might otherwise force them to drop out of school.

The Daily News | May 13, 2023