MOSES LAKE — During Big Bend Community College’s April Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, Anna Franz and Juanita Richards were given Trustee Emeritus status.  

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for both of them,” said BBCC President Sara Thompson Tweedy. “They are incredibly gifted and I’m so glad that they shared their knowledge and their expertise and their time with Big Bend.” 

This award is given to trustees who have had at least six years of service on the board, a long-term record of professional excellence, leadership roles at the state and national level, significant participation in professional development activities and have made other significant contributions to the college and service district according to the board agenda. 

“Anna Franz and Juanita Richards have, collectively between them, 23 years of service to the board of trustees and during some really pivotal moments,” said Thompson Tweedy.  

Anna Franz served on the BBCC Board of Trustees from 2012 through 2025 with 13 years of continuous service. During her tenure, Franz was active in debating policy and reviewing and approving BBCC governance and operations.  

Franz served as board chair, worked on subcommittees evaluating governance policies, and on the presidential evaluation committee. She participated in board retreats, governance study sessions, negotiated agreement reviews and strategic policy discussions. 

In addition, Franz was recognized for contributions such as serving on the committee that negotiated the 2024-2026 faculty negotiated agreement and the committee that recommended naming the Barbara and Ken Jacobs Building. She participated in budget oversight and mission evaluation during periods of change and used her knowledge and expertise to push the college forward.  

Juanita Richards served on the Board of Trustees from 2014 through 2024, serving multiple terms. She was a stable force as the board as trustees and leadership changed. Richards participated in discussions and decisions regarding accreditation, finance, human resources, student success and assessment.  

Richards was an active participant in the process as BBCC changed presidents, including involvement in the presidential search and selection process that resulted in Thompson Tweedy’s hiring.  

Richards participated in regular board retreats, study sessions, educational presentations and governance trainings including accreditation, records retention, Title IX regulatory updates and system technology transitions such online instruction oversight. 

Richards was recognized for her work in helping ensure a smooth transition between outgoing and incoming BBCC presidents, accreditation and compliance oversight and addressing accreditation standards. She worked on Title IX revisions and institutional policies.  

She had extensive experience in finance and regional economic development, which helped the board when approving budgets, working on financial reports and helping BBCC navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Both Franz and Richards are alumnae of BBCC. Franz provided a first-hand understanding of the student experience, which helped the trustees when making decisions. Richards advocated for access, adult education and community awareness of educational opportunity. The two also served the college during some rough periods, including shifts in in enrollment, statewide system changes and COVID-19.

    Juanita Richards was given Trustee Emeritus status during the April 30 BBCC Board of Trustees meeting for her years of contributions to the college.