Oregon Coast Community College has named Pierce Moon as its new Dean of Nursing & Allied Health, effective immediately. Moon succeeds Dr. Crystal Bowman, who recently resigned following her relocation to Arizona.
Moon steps into the leadership role at a pivotal moment for OCCC’s Nursing & Allied Health programs. This fall, the college will launch its first-ever Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, offered through a consortium of Oregon community colleges. The new program will create expanded opportunities for registered nurses on the Oregon Coast to advance their education and careers while remaining in the communities they serve. The program is delivered online and is built to fit into the busy schedules of working nurses.
A member of OCCC’s nursing faculty, Moon brings both academic and clinical leadership experience to the position. Prior to joining OCCC, he served in a variety of nursing roles, including as a registered nurse and charge nurse at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland. He has also mentored and trained new nurses, coordinated patient care teams, and provided nursing leadership in both hospital and community-based settings. Moon holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
“Pierce brings a unique combination of teaching experience, clinical expertise, and a deep understanding of our students and our mission,” said Dr. Marshall Mease Roache, the college’s president. “Because he has already served our nursing students as a faculty member, he understands both the strengths of the program and the opportunities ahead. We are excited to have his leadership as we launch OCCC’s first bachelor’s degree program and continue expanding educational pathways that address critical workforce needs on the Oregon Coast.”
As a faculty member, Moon has worked closely with students, faculty colleagues, and regional healthcare partners to support student success and strengthen clinical learning opportunities. His experience spans nursing education, academic assessment, student support, and workforce development.
“I am honored to serve as Dean of Nursing & Allied Health at such an exciting time for Oregon Coast Community College,” said Moon. “OCCC has built a nursing program known for student success, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to meeting the healthcare workforce needs of Oregon’s rural, coastal communities. As we prepare to launch our new Bachelor of Science in Nursing this fall, we’re creating even more opportunities for students to advance their education and careers, often without leaving the communities they call home. I look forward to working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff, healthcare and clinical partners, and students as we continue building on that momentum.”
The appointment comes as OCCC’s nursing program continues to gain recognition for its strong student outcomes and growing impact on the healthcare workforce throughout Lincoln County and the central Oregon Coast. The launch of the BSN program represents a significant milestone in the college’s evolution, creating new educational pathways for current and future healthcare professionals. The new 4-year degree comes on the heels of OCCC’s launch, two years ago, of a thriving LPN-to-RN program, which has driven program enrollment to unprecedented levels.
About Oregon Coast Community College
Oregon Coast Community College serves Lincoln County from locations in Newport, Lincoln City, Toledo, and Waldport. The College, now in its 40th year, provides transfer degree programs, career and technical education, workforce training, community education, and services tailored to entrepreneurs. OCCC provides student services and support designed to help learners achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening Oregon’s coastal communities.