Bill Maynard’s Journey Back to GHC: A Legacy of Impact and Generosity
First steps of a journey can often be the most impactful, and such is the case for Grays Harbor College alum Dr. Bill Maynard, class of 1958. In honor of the role GHC played in shaping his life, Dr. Maynard and his wife Nancy have generously donated $100,000 to the annual Journey Campaign and another $100,000 to name the Grand Atrium inside the tulalW Student Center.
During his address to the GHC graduating class of 2022, Dr. Maynard shared, “Enrolling at GHC was a hugely transformative experience for me. I had amazing teachers who took an interest in me.”
Bill’s journey began at J.M. Weatherwax High School in Aberdeen, where a shoulder injury derailed his plans to become a lineman with the telephone company after graduation. While recovering from surgery, he decided to enroll at Grays Harbor Junior College (now Grays Harbor College). This decision marked a turning point in his life.
With the support of faculty and staff at GHC, Bill, who had graduated high school with barely a 2.0 GPA, learned how to study and care for his future. He graduated from GHC with a 3.68 GPA and transferred to the University of Washington to complete bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology.
Bill’s educational journey didn’t stop there. He went on to teach science in an inner-city junior high school in Seattle and earned a master’s degree in education administration from Seattle University. By the age of 33, he became the principal at Cleveland High School in Seattle. While working for the Seattle School District, Bill earned his doctorate in education administration at the University of Washington and served as the director of desegregation for two years.
In 1980, Bill co-founded the Effectiveness Institute, a consulting and training business specializing in team performance. His work took him across the U.S. and internationally, helping organizations like Microsoft build and sustain high-performing cultures. His connection to Washington State University led him to teach the Leading and Living course for 25 years, a course designed to create a significant, positive difference in the lives of students. The impact of his teaching inspired his self-help book, “You Matter.” In 2020, Bill was inducted into the School of Hospitality Hall of Fame for the profound influence his class had on WSU students.
Although now retired, Bill continues to connect with students by volunteering weekly in a 4th grade classroom. Reflecting on his life and career, Bill states, “It was all because of my experience at GHC.”
