April 16, 2021 1:45 p.m.

Umpqua Community College has a new president.

On Friday the school’s Board of Education named Dr. Rachel Pokrandt as the school’s 12th president.

Board Chair Steve Loosely said “We are thankful and thrilled that Dr. Pokrandt has agreed to serve our students, college and community”. He said, “She brings a student-centered approach to decision making and has a proven record building partnerships with K-12 and businesses”. Loosely is confident she will help re-imagine UCC “…as we emerge from the pandemic and re-define our community”.

A release said Dr. Pokrandt was selected following a months-long process that included several virtual interviews and a day-long, on-campus visit. During her visit to the UCC campus on April 7th, Dr. Pokrandt had the opportunity to introduce herself to UCC employees and the community via virtual town hall meetings. The release said during those meetings, she explained that the presidential profile announcing the position opening is what captured her attention.

Dr. Pokrandt said “I saw a match with my experience and what this campus does for the community”. She said, “Not only is it a great fit, I see where we can build a strong future together”.

The release said Dr. Pokrandt is currently a vice president and campus dean for Colorado Mountain College. Prior to her start there in 2012, she was the dean of instruction at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colorado. With a background in business, she has also served as an adjunct instructor since 2003. Dr. Pokrandt received her doctorate degree in management from the Swiss Management University in Zurich, Switzerland.

Current UCC President Dr. Debra Thatcher is retiring on June 30th. Dr. Pokrandt will join UCC on July 1st.