Dr. Phillip King brings more than three decades of distinguished service in higher education, guided by a steadfast commitment to empowering students, faculty, and staff. Over the course of his career, he has served in teaching, service, and executive leadership roles, consistently advancing initiatives that strengthen institutions and expand opportunity. His leadership has driven transformative efforts in strategic enrollment management, the redesign of developmental education, institutional governance, and organizational effectiveness. Dr. King is deeply committed to fostering a culture of co-creation and innovation, working collaboratively with faculty and staff to develop forward-looking approaches that enhance student success, advance workforce education, and ensure comprehensive, holistic support for every learner.
Dr. King currently serves as Executive Vice President and Provost at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), where he provides strategic leadership for more than 180 academic programs, student-facing services, and regional campuses. In this capacity, he oversees all instructional programs and instructional support, enrollment and retention services, as well as community and workforce education, regional centers, and intercollegiate athletics—ensuring alignment with the college’s mission to serve its students and community with excellence.
Prior to joining MATC, Dr. King served at Shoreline Community College in Washington State as Vice President for Student Learning, Equity, and Success. There, he led a broad portfolio encompassing instructional programs, student services, international education, institutional effectiveness, and workforce development. In 2021, he was called upon to serve as Acting President, guiding the institution with stability and vision during a pivotal period.
Earlier in his career, Dr. King held senior leadership roles at Florida International University in Miami and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. His extensive experience also includes service as Dean of Instruction and Student Services at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City; Vice President of Student Services at Laney College in Oakland; Interim Vice President of Student Services at Canada College in Redwood City; and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Woodland Community College in Woodland, California. Across these roles, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead complex institutions with clarity, purpose, and integrity.
Raised in San Jose, California, and the greater Portland, Oregon region, Dr. King brings a broad perspective shaped by lived and professional experience in urban, suburban, and rural communities. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in communication studies from Portland State University. He later completed a doctorate in community college leadership at Ferris State University in Michigan—an experience that further deepened his dedication to advancing educational leadership and institutional excellence.