Big things are coming for Curry County. We have great instructors and a good staff,” she said. “I’ve lived in Curry County since 1980 and I believe the College is a critical piece of the county’s future. I’m excited to be part of moving that forward.”

Southwestern Oregon Community College announces that Curry County Dean Jason Wood has accepted a position as Dean of Student Services at Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls.

Wood, who begins work at Klamath in early October, accepted the position because it is a vertical career move with great potential for further professional growth.

“While I’m reluctant to leave Southwestern because I’ve enjoyed the opportunity, this is a promotion and, at the end of the day, Klamath Falls affords a lower cost of living for my family,” said Wood, who has been at Southwestern for 15 months. “The ultimate factor is for me to be able to do the best I can for my family. I wish the College the best as it moves forward.”

Curry Program Coordinator Janet Pretti will take over as Interim Curry County Dean when Wood departs, and is planning to fill that role through the 2008/09 academic year. Pretti has been employed at Southwestern for 24 years, beginning as a part-time instructor, and for the past 13 years as a full-time employee.

“I believe strongly in Janet and the Curry instructors, staff and community,” Wood said. “She has been serving Curry County with Southwestern for a long time. She’s an outstanding leader and she’s the best person for the job.”

Pretti is excited about the future of Southwestern in Curry County.

“Big things are coming for Curry County. We have great instructors and a good staff,” she said. “I’ve lived in Curry County since 1980 and I believe the College is a critical piece of the county’s future. I’m excited to be part of moving that forward.”