June 9, 2020 9:30 a.m.
Umpqua Community College President Dr. Debra Thatcher has announced that she will retire in just over one year.
Her effective date for retirement is July 1st, 2021. Thatcher has led the college since July of 2016.
Thatcher said “I have been humbled and honored to serve as president of UCC for the past four years”. She said, “we have an outstanding faculty and staff who, in collaboration with so many community partners, have truly transformed student’s lives, helping them achieve educational goals that lead to family wage careers, engaged citizenship, and new hope for the future”.
The release said under Thatcher’s leadership, the college re-established an academic program in forestry, started a cybersecurity program, expanded the community’s in-demand nursing program, and created health related programs for high school students. Also added, according to the release, were multiple athletic programs, new enrollment management and student support functions, and a new strategic plan. Other items were mentioned as well including the Bonnie J. Ford Health, Nursing and Science Center’s completion and the start of construction for a 10/1 memorial.
Steve Loosley, chair of the UCC Board of Education, said “UCC has benefited immeasurably from Dr. Thatchers strong and collaborative leadership”. He said her focus on student success, while keeping education “affordable and accessible for all students”, will benefit current and future generations.
Thatcher said she is proud that the school, with support from the Board of Education, “has worked to become a stronger, more efficient, future-oriented campus”. Thatcher said she believes the school will “continue to serve Douglas County well”.
Thatcher came to UCC after serving as the Acting President and Provost of SUNY Coblestill in New York, along with numerous other positions.
The release said the UCC Board of Education will announces its plans for the presidential search process soon.