UCC Board of Education selects Dr. Rachel Pokrandt as the College’s 12th president

The Umpqua Community College (UCC) Board of Education is pleased to announce a new president has been selected. Following a comprehensive, nationwide search, Dr. Rachel Pokrandt will be joining the College as its 12th president.

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

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 Wednesday, April 7, Dr. Pokrandt had the opportunity to introduce herself to UCC employees and the community via virtual town hall meetings. During those meetings, she explained that the presidential profile announcing the position opening is what captured her attention.

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

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, CO. 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 Debra Thatcher is retiring on June 30. Leading the College since 2016, she is now the 5th longest-serving president in UCC’s history. Dr. Pokrandt will join the College on July 1