Chalu Harris-Adams

About Chalu Harris-Adams

I am a lifelong educator and leader dedicated to education, service, and building strong, supportive communities. Growing up in a military family, I lived in Vogelweh, Germany, and at Ramstein Air Force Base before settling in the Pacific Northwest at McChord Air Force Base. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and the importance of connection—values that shape my leadership and approach to education.My career began as a fifth-grade teacher, where I inspired students to dream big and reach their potential. Over the years, I’ve served as an Advisor, Instructor, and Director of Instruction, working to improve access to high-quality education and empower learners to overcome obstacles. Most recently, I earned my doctorate in e-Learning, focusing my research on creating virtual communities that foster connection and reduce student attrition in online learning environments.As a servant leader, I believe in empowering teams, building trust, and fostering environments where everyone feels respected and supported. I am deeply committed to continuous learning and sharing knowledge to uplift those around me, helping others unlock their potential and achieve success.Happily married with four children, I find joy in knitting, reality TV, candy-making, gaming, and exploring new ways to connect with others—Snapchat filters included! I am passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of students and educators alike and am excited to continue this mission at Pierce College JBLM.Let’s connect to share ideas, collaborate, and inspire change in education!

Experience

1. Executive Director, Joint Base Lewis Mcchord

   Pierce College

   Jan 2025 — Present

   The Executive Director at JBLM oversees Military Education Programs, ensuring academic excellence, student services, and operational success for military-affiliated learners while advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Leadership and Supervision • Supervises approximately 25 full-time and 70 part-time staff and faculty, fostering an equitable and inclusive culture that supports student and staff success.2. Strategic Planning and Budget Management • Develops and implements a strategic vision for JBLM programs while managing a budget exceeding $8 million to ensure financial sustainability and program alignment with institutional goals.3. Equity and Anti-Racism Efforts • Advances equity-focused practices to eliminate achievement gaps, particularly for Black and Brown students, and integrates anti-racism into all program operations. Program Operations and Compliance • Oversees in-class and online program delivery while ensuring compliance with federal regulations, DoD policies, and institutional guidelines. Outreach and Partnerships • Builds and maintains relationships with military installations, educational institutions, and community organizations to expand access and opportunities for students. Community Engagement and Committees • Represents Pierce College in military and local communities, engaging in committees and initiatives that align programs with institutional goals.

Education

• Northcentral University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, E-learning

  2018

• Seattle Pacific University

  Master of Education - MEd, Curriculum and Instruction (Focus: Teaching & Learning)

• University of Puget Sound

  Master's Of Arts, Elementary Education and Teaching

  1999 — 2000

• University of Puget Sound

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology

  1995 — 1999