Fear Is Not Leadership  

Dear Members of the WVC Community,

I am writing as someone who has personally experienced the impact of the current leadership at Wenatchee Valley College. I choose to remain anonymous, but feel it is important to share what I have witnessed.

Before this leadership took over, WVC was on an upward trajectory. Morale among staff and faculty was improving, collaboration was high, and the college was actively addressing longstanding challenges, creating stability and improvement across the institution.

Over the course of his tenure, Faimous Harrison has created a narrative of a “financial crisis” that has been pushed relentlessly. From what I have seen, this crisis is largely fabricated or exaggerated by Dr. Harrison, yet it is presented as urgent and dire, and blame for it is repeatedly assigned to someone else.

Even more troubling is the role of certain staff members, who are considered the president’s most trusted allies. They have created an atmosphere of intimidation and internal threat, acting as extensions of leadership to enforce false narratives and target anyone perceived as a challenge. This has fostered fear and distrust, making it nearly impossible for anyone to collaborate or speak honestly.

The patterns I have observed go far beyond isolated incidents:

Accountability is avoided or redirected.

Decisions are made to protect Faimous Harrison's personal image rather than serve the college.

Staff and faculty are treated as obstacles rather than collaborators.

Truth is consistently adjusted to fit the president's narrative.

The result is a climate of fear, confusion, and stress. Employees who worked tirelessly to keep the college running are subjected to shifting explanations, constant blame, false narratives, and a leadership style that prioritizes ego over integrity.

From my perspective, WVC deserves leadership grounded in honesty, transparency, and competence. The current leadership does not possess the judgment, integrity, or skills required to guide this institution responsibly.

My hope in sharing this is that the voices of those affected—faculty, staff, students, and families—are heard. WVC cannot thrive while fabricated crises are treated as fact, internal staff enforce intimidation, and decisions are driven by self-interest rather than responsibility. The college deserves leadership that values people, integrity, and the long-term health of the institution above all else. 

Renewing this contract would ignore the very real harm caused to countless people who have left or been forced out, and dismiss the voices of those who continue to speak up for truth and accountability.

Sincerely,

A WVC Community Member