President's Biography

Dr. Mike Cogan began serving at Skagit Valley College on January 1, 2025, as Vice President of Administrative Services. He will serve as the college’s lead administrator in charge until the Board of Trustees appoints an interim president.

Dr. Cogan is a seasoned higher education leader with nearly three decades of experience in higher education administration, finance, and operations. He began his academic journey as a first-generation community college student and military veteran, experiences that shaped his enduring commitment to accessible, student-centered education.

His professional expertise includes financial leadership, managerial accounting, resource planning, and the strategic use of technology to support institutional effectiveness. Dr. Cogan has served across multiple college campuses in a variety of roles—as an executive leader, staff member, and faculty member—providing him with a broad and practical perspective on college operations and leadership.

More recently, Dr. Cogan has focused on higher education consulting, working with nearly 60 institutions to strengthen academic, financial, and administrative transparency. His collaborative approach emphasizes community engagement, integrated planning, and data-informed decision-making, with the goal of supporting long-term financial sustainability and innovative growth in higher education.

Dr. Cogan earned his Ph.D in Quantitative Research Methodologies from the University of North Dakota and is a proud two-time alum of Western New Mexico University, where he earned both a master of arts and a bachelor of applied science.