May 6, 2026 | Alumni, News
COOS BAY, Ore. — Southwestern Oregon Community College is proud to announce that President Dr. Patty Scott and alumna Rashinda Reed have been selected for induction into the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Dr. Scott is being honored with the prestigious Outstanding Service (Jim Jackson Award), recognizing her exceptional contributions to student success and collegiate athletics. Growing up in rural eastern Oregon, Scott has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and opportunity. She has served as president of Southwestern since 2008, following roles as faculty, dean of students, and leader of student support programs, and remains deeply committed to serving students and communities along the south Oregon coast.
Reed, a standout volleyball player during her time at Southwestern, is being recognized for her athletic excellence and continued impact on the sport. She currently serves as head volleyball coach at the University of Alabama, where she became the program’s first Black head coach. Since taking the helm in 2022, she has led the team to strong performances in the Southeastern Conference while building a culture centered on excellence, leadership, and student-athlete success. Her career includes multiple NCAA Tournament appearances as an assistant coach at the University of Illinois, as well as a professional playing career overseas following her collegiate success at Southwestern and the University of Georgia.
This is a tremendous honor for both Dr. Scott and Rashinda Reed, and for Southwestern’s entire college community. Their achievements reflect the strength of Southwestern’s programs and the lasting impact on students, athletes, and future leaders.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes distinguished individuals and teams from across the Northwest, representing outstanding accomplishments in athletics, service, and leadership. Alongside Scott and Reed, this year’s inductees include athletes from Lane, Mt. Hood, Clackamas, and Umpqua community colleges, as well as notable team honorees.
Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet on June 4, 2026 are available through May 22, 2026. More information about the event can be found at nwacsports.com/halloffame.
Southwestern Oregon Community College is happy to honor Dr. Scott and Rashinda Reed on this well-deserved recognition of excellence and legacy.
Mar 16, 2026 | Alumni, Community, News
Dayna Cahill, Director of Teaching and Learning for North Bend School District
After graduating from North Bend High School, Dayna Cahill didn’t plan on staying in the community where she grew up. She went straight to work in construction. College wasn’t on her radar, until someone suggested she might be a great teacher. That single comment started her down a completely different path.
She enrolled at SWOCC, where she earned her transfer degree. For Dayna, it was the ideal place to start.
“SWOCC allowed me to grow up,” she said. “It was the perfect landing zone while I was working, living locally, and looking to further educate myself.”
Dayna later went on to complete her bachelor’s degree through a local satellite program. But it was her time at SWOCC that helped her build the confidence and direction she needed.
“I honestly believe my trajectory would have changed significantly had I not opted to go to SWOCC,” she said. “SWOCC gave me a plan. That plan is what gave me my life.”
Today, Dayna serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning for North Bend School District, leading efforts that shape classrooms and impact hundreds of students each year. Her career spanned roles as a substitute, educational assistant, teacher, reading specialist, and even leading as a principal.
One of her proudest moments was returning to teach at North Bay Elementary, the same school she attended as a kid.
“I never thought I would stay in the same community I had grown up in,” she said. “But one of the greatest honors of my life was returning to that school as a teacher. I have a deep sense of pride coming full circle and giving back to the district that raised me.”
Throughout her journey, Dayna leaned on local scholarships and community support to make college work. She encourages others to do the same.
“Money was tight during college. I worked part-time and lived with roommates,” she said. “But there are local organizations with scholarships that can really help. You just have to look.”
Now, she and her husband Chris are raising their own family in North Bend, where they remain deeply invested in the community.
“Our community and SWOCC both have so much to offer,” she said. “If you live here and are looking for connection or opportunity, start with your local community college. You don’t have to go anywhere else to get a fantastic education or live a fantastic life.”
Mar 10, 2026 | Alumni, Community, News
For Coos County native Nathan Midyette’s connection to SWOCC largely started through dual credit courses at North Bend High School, where he earned an associate’s degree from SWOCC at the same time he graduated high school. As part of his education, he was able to complete a senior-year SWOCC internship at 7 Devils Brewery that introduced him to fermentation science.
With his Oregon Transfer degree from SWOCC, Nathan entered the University of Oregon well-prepared to pursue chemistry. With his degree and previous internship under his belt, he did two internships at King Estate Winery during college.
Today, Nathan works as a lab technician at King Estate Winery. “I really love this job as it is the perfect blend of art and science.” Nathan said, “No two years are the same, and you are constantly learning from each individual vintage.” Driven by a passion for the wine industry, he is dedicated to ongoing learning and development.
Feb 27, 2026 | Alumni, News
Nichole Rutherford knows what it means to show up for your community. As City Manager for the city of Coos Bay, she spends her days working alongside elected officials, city staff, and residents to shape the future of the place she calls home.
Her leadership is grounded in service.
“Community continues to inspire me,” Nichole says. “We all play a role in making Coos Bay a great place to live, work, and recreate.”
Nichole’s path to this role didn’t follow a straight line.
She grew up in the tiny southern Oregon town of Butte Falls, eventually moving and graduating from Reedsport High School. She started her college journey at Southern Oregon University. A year later, she transferred to SWOCC. Her decision was driven by practicality. SWOCC offered an affordable option close to home that allowed her to save and stay close to her support system.
Nichole didn’t complete her degree right away. Her life took another direction. She got married, started a family, and put her college plans on hold. Nearly 15 years later, Nichole returned to SWOCC to finish what she started.
“From high school graduation to earning my bachelor’s degree, twenty years passed by,” Nichole says. “Returning to school as an adult raising a young family, made the process accessible and doable. I took one course a term.”
SWOCC was affordable, but more than anything at SWOCC, Nichole felt seen and supported.
“The class sizes and the professors were more accessible — like real people,” she recalls. “It felt like the SWOCC team met me where I was.”
Ultimately, Nichole earned her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree and completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She’s grateful for the flexibility and care SWOCC offered throughout her journey.
Today, as City Manager, Nichole sees the vital role community colleges continue to play. And not just in individual lives, but in building strong local infrastructure.
“SWOCC is a key part of what the Coos Bay of tomorrow looks like,” she says. “The college has heard the needs of the community and is developing training programs to help fill employment gaps — like the diesel mechanic curriculum and the partnership with local fire departments on the fire tower.”
Nichole believes more people should know how accessible SWOCC is.
“Access to quality college education at an affordable rate is available just outside our back door,” she says. “Because of SWOCC, I enjoy an engaging and fulfilling career.”
It’s a path she hopes inspires others to explore their own educational or professional goals.
Feb 23, 2026 | Alumni, News
Photo courtesy of Brian Fowler, Park Manager, South Beach Management Unit
“I grew up thinking, and telling myself, that there were a lot of things in life I would never be able to do or have,” says Rushal Sedlemyer. College, a career, and homeownership. They were not part of what she could imagine for herself.
Like many first-generation college students, Rushal grew up without clear examples of people who followed college or career pathways. Raised in rural Oregon, she had limited financial resources. Yet she made her way to SWOCC knowing she wanted more.
A new story
A graduate of Southwestern, Rushal is now the South Coast Natural Resource Specialist for Oregon State Parks and Recreation – a role that once sounded like a dream job. She owns her own home, holds a college degree, and has built a career she’s passionate about. And it all began with one brave step toward education.
When Rushal enrolled at SWOCC, she didn’t have a clear sense of where she was headed. She was interested in biology, but didn’t realize the wide range of possible careers, from ecology and geomorphology to stewardship coordination and habitat restoration.
What she did know was that she wanted something better for herself, and she believed college was the key.
The path wasn’t easy. Rushal faced major financial challenges and leaned on every resource available to her. She found TRIO, a federally funded program designed to support first-generation students. With TRIO, she found mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
“It helped me be more engaged and less scared about going to college.” She also found that SWOCC’s smaller campus and class sizes were the right fit. “It felt manageable and welcoming compared to a big university.”
While at SWOCC, Rushal enrolled in an ecology class that made a lasting impression. She began volunteering with the South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and sought out hands-on projects wherever she could find them.
Rushal graduated from SWOCC in 2013 with her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree. At the time, SWOCC did not yet offer a Natural Resources degree path, and Rushal was still unsure what her future held. But a simple flyer on campus changed everything.
It advertised an internship opportunity with the Coos Watershed Association. She applied and was accepted. During her time there, the Watershed staff encouraged Rushal to pursue a degree in Natural Resources. The experience opened her eyes to a new world — working outdoors, studying ecosystems, and protecting natural spaces now felt possible and exciting.
She eventually took advantage of SWOCC’s dual enrollment partnership with Oregon State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources in 2017. By completing many of her courses at SWOCC, she saved money, reduced travel, and continued using campus resources like the library and tutoring center.
Job Opportunities
Rushal continued building experience through volunteer work and seasonal field positions with organizations such as the Coos and Coquille Watershed Associations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local conservation districts.
Her first full-time job was as a Watershed Technician with the Coquille Watershed Association. Over time, she grew into a Restoration Project Manager role and spent seven years developing her skills, confidence, and leadership.
Then came a full-circle moment.
“Seven years ago, I met the person who was in the job I have now,” Rushal recalled. “When I heard her talk about her work, I thought, ‘Wow, that sounds like a cool job.’”
Today, Rushal oversees natural resource projects for Oregon State Parks along the coast from Newport to Brookings. She collaborates on habitat restoration, erosion control, and environmental planning. “Our state parks are special places,” she said. “I’m honored to be the local voice advocating for them.”
Looking back, Rushal is proud not only of where she is, but of how far she’s come. All those things she once thought were impossible – college, a career, homeownership – are now part of her life.
“SWOCC was definitely my launch pad,” she said. “It set me up for success in a lot of areas of life.”
Rushal Sedlemyer’s story is a powerful reminder that with support, opportunity, and determination, even uncertain beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Her journey reflects grit, curiosity, and a belief that something better was possible.
Beach photo courtesy of Rob Brazie, Bullards Beach Management Unit
Sep 4, 2025 | Alumni, Community, News, Student Success
SWOCC Alum making a difference!
As classrooms across the South Coast welcome students back this fall, North Bay Elementary’s Hope Huntley will be right there among them — beginning her 16th year as an elementary school teacher. And for her,
every first day of school is more than just tradition, it’s a full-circle moment.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” Hope says. “SWOCC helped guide me into the profession with support and knowledge.”
A 2004 graduate of North Bend High School, Hope started her college journey at Western Oregon University. Like many students, she quickly realized she needed something closer to home. She returned to Coos
Bay and enrolled at SWOCC in the winter of 2005, where she found both direction and a community that believed in her.
“SWOCC was very inviting for me as a young person,” she reflects. “The professors were welcoming and worked hard to make sure I was successful in every way.”
Hope earned her associate degree and Child & Family Studies certificate from SWOCC in 2007, and lost her father shortly thereafter. She recalls SWOCC staff supporting her through that life-changing experience in many ways — making her realize being in Coos Bay was a positive choice for her moving forward.
Hope was able to continue her studies through Eastern Oregon University where she graduated with her bachelor’s in 2010. She began teaching that summer and has since taught first through fourth grade in both Coos Bay and North Bend schools.
Today, she teaches third grade at North Bay Elementary, where she also mentors students, helps lead professional learning, and coaches T-ball for the North Bend Independent Baseball Program. But what keeps her
going isn’t just curriculum — it’s community.
“I love my job, and the true joy is watching your former students walk at graduation. It’s the best gift you could give a teacher.”
She has since earned her master’s degree in education, taking hybrid classes at SWOCC during the summers.
“Because of SWOCC I was able to find myself and become the best version of myself. I am able to give back to my community every day by teaching and guiding students to success stories like mine.”
As she looks ahead, Hope’s goals are simple: to grow as an educator, be the best mom, wife, and friend she can be, and keep showing up for the community that helped shape her.
“SWOCC isn’t just a place to get a degree,” she says. “It’s a place to grow into who you’re meant to be.”
Rushal continued building experience through volunteer work and seasonal field positions with organizations such as the Coos and Coquille Watershed Associations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local conservation districts.
