OCCC Board of Education Announces
Finalists in President Search
Candidates to visit College August 26 & 27
Updated Aug. 24, 2024
The Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) Board of Education named three finalists in the search for a new college president. Two have proceeded all the way to on-campus visits here in Lincoln County in late August. The announcements follow President Birgitte Ryslinge’s decision to retire by the end of 2024. Ryslinge, who has led the college for over a decade, will extend her tenure until January 2025 to assist with the transition.
“This has been an exciting and thorough process,” said Board Chair Rich Emery. “I am grateful to the Board of Education for their work in developing a Presidential Profile, and the extensive work of President Ryslinge and Human Resources Director Joy Gutknecht in implementing the considerable and exhaustive process to get us to this point, where we are able to name these highly qualified finalists.” Emery noted that each finalist emerged based on their apparent fit with the President Profile, as well as their performance in a very demanding interview with administrative staff to demonstrate their competencies in areas important to the Presidency. Going forward, the Board process will now be supported by a search firm, Human Capital Enterprises, that recently assisted the Oregon Community College Association in its search for a new director.
Finalists
Dr. Brian Kelly has been the President of Clinton Community College in Iowa since 2020 and serves as Vice Chancellor of Strategy, Planning, and Purpose for the Eastern Iowa Community College District. Clinton Community college serves a rural area and is of a similar size to OCCC. He previously held various roles at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. Dr. Kelly earned a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, an MBA from Marylhurst University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University. “It’s a very exciting time for Oregon Coast Community College and I’m honored to be considered for this position,” Kelly said. “This is an amazing community that supports our mission and I am looking forward to the conversations about the collective impact of our shared future.”
Marshall Roache is the Executive Dean of Career and Technical Education and Public Safety at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. He manages a budget of approximately $18 million, and a staff of approximately 120. His responsibilities include overseeing programs in health sciences, applied technologies, and apprenticeship programs. Roache holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon and a Master of Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. “I would be privileged to lead and continue to help grow Oregon Coast Community College,” Roache said. “It’s an amazing time to join this winning institution.”
Next Steps
The finalists will visit Lincoln County on August 26 and 27, engaging in internal forums (employee and potentially student), community leaders forums, interviews with administration, and a lengthy interview with the Board of Education. Details on the process will be available on the College’s President Search webpage. The Board of Education hopes to make a decision in September 2024, with the new president starting on or before January 2, 2025.
About OCCC
Oregon Coast Community College has been serving Lincoln County residents for over 35 years, offering educational opportunities that enrich lives and strengthen the community. At its four locations in Newport, Toledo, Lincoln City, and Waldport, the College offers transfer degrees that provide an affordable, accessible jump-start to four-year university degrees, saving students tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and living expenses. OCCC also offers a growing lineup of career-focused certificates and degrees meant to accelerate careers, boost incomes, and expand professional horizons. While one-third of OCCC students are between the ages of 18 and 25, another third are older than 35 – proof that it’s never too late to start (or finish) your college career. Anyone can schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with a friendly OCCC student success coach, at oregoncoast.edu/advising. Registration is open now for the Fall 2024 term, which begins Monday, Sept. 16.