First Day For Umpqua Community College's New President

Umpqua Community College (UCC) announces a new president as the college re-opens to students on campus. Dr. Rachel Pokrandt became UCC's 12th president on July 19th. She celebrated her first official day by gathering the campus community to meet in person with an interactive student picnic and a staff coffee-hour held under the shade trees on campus. “My plan is to bring my entire heart to campus every day. We will be accountable, creative and innovative and efficient because Douglas County deserves nothing less from us. I love the mission statement, We transform lives and enrich communities,” she continues, “There is true focus on Community in our mission and our role to serve the community.” One student, Alicia Merker, stated, “Rachel is very outgoing and wants to get to know everyone, and that’s awesome! She is approachable and it is truly amazing.” “It’s nice to be here and see faces. Rachel is amongst the guests and part of us,” said another student, Amanda Cerda. Dr. Pokrandt recently arrived from Colorado Mountain College, where she was Vice President and campus dean since 2012. Previously, she was the Dean of Instruction at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. With a background in business and non-profit management, she has also served as an adjunct instructor since 2003. "UCC has all of the secret sauce required for a successful and thriving community college. This includes a community that cares deeply about the ongoing success of UCC, a recognition that education and skills training are essential to enhancing a thriving economy, and staff and faculty that are dedicated to excellence," Dr. Pokrandt mentioned. The UCC campus is open for students to come back and visit or attend classes. A video of the event will be available on the UCC website at www.umpqua.edu. Via Umpqua Community College Release