May 7, 2026 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to announce the selection of Joy Gathings and Ruthie Anderson-Castro for the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT). These outstanding student scholars are selected for their academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Phi Theta Kappa honor society, community college presidents, and community college state associations sponsor the All-State Community College Academic Team ceremonies in 38 participating states. Students from the participating states nominated to the All-USA Community College Academic Team are automatically named to the All-State Community College Academic Teams.
The purpose of the team is to honor academic excellence, celebrate students’ contributions to their communities, promote the value and vital role community colleges play in shaping workforce and leaders, and to provide scholarships to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
“These students are setting the standard for what’s possible,” said OCCA Executive Director Dr. Abby Lee. “They are excelling academically while leading in their communities and overcoming real challenges along the way. Their achievements speak not only to their talent, but to their determination and drive.”
Joy Gathings discovered her personal potential and a clear sense of purpose at Southwestern. She has consistently earned a 3.7–4.0 GPA and is pursuing an Associate of Science in Human Services. Joy plans to establish a center that supports survivors of domestic violence by addressing addiction, building life skills, and offering classes that help individuals move toward safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Ruthie Anderson-Carson returned to school as an adult while raising a family and managing financial responsibilities. Driven by a lifelong calling to care for others, she is pursuing a career as a registered nurse, with plans to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Oregon Health & Science University. She began her journey at Southwestern, earning her GED and continuing with steady guidance and encouragement toward her healthcare career.
“I’m honored to recognize these outstanding students and look forward to following their journeys beyond Southwestern. I have no doubt they will go on to do remarkable things,” said Patty Scott, President of Southwestern.
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.
May 6, 2026 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College invites the community to join us on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm, for our Annual Student Research Symposium. The presentations will take place in the Umpqua Hall lecture room 184 on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. This is a free event; all ages are welcome. Southwestern’s SPEAR (STEAM, Pathways, Experimental, & Academic Research) Team is actively working on a variety of science research projects.
Participation on the team teaches students valuable skills and allows them to gain hands-on experience. Students within physics, engineering, geology, chemistry, and biology will be showcasing their work for the community. Our symposium will feature the work of student researchers who have either continued aspects of last year’s concentrated efforts analyzing the Fossil Point region of the Oregon coast or have participated in our internship or academic research challenges.
Some of the projects include:
- Continued work on the chemical extraction of whale blubber from local fossils
- Development of a mechantronic robot arm
- Application of engineering and physics to redesign a swimming training apparatus
- An academic look at the current progress of 3-D printing and additive manufacturing in space
- Implications of protein crystallization for medical applications in space
Many of these projects are supported by grants awarded through Oregon NASA Space Grant Consortium and Oregon Coast STEM Hub.
Please join us and help support these students while learning more about the exciting things happening at the College within our STEAM programs!
For more information contact Cassie Coyner, STEAM Pathways Coordinator, at 541-888-7416, or cassie.coyner@socc.edu. If you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive emails regarding upcoming events and lectures please email us and put “Add to email list” in the subject line.
To learn more about STEM degrees at Southwestern visit: https://www.socc.edu/programs-classes/stem.
May 4, 2026 | Curry Campus, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Summer Term 2026-27 is quickly approaching, and Fall Term will be here before we know it!
- SUMMER TERM: Classes start Monday, June 22, 2026
- FALL TERM: Classes start Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
Below are instructions about how to register. If you are experiencing any issues registering after reading the below, please contact us:
- Coos Campus Students: Call 541-888-7352 or Email
- Curry Campus Students: Call 541-813-1667 or Email
REGISTRATION FOR DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE SEEKING STUDENTS:
If you are already a current/admitted student, below are instructions on registering.
Not a current or admitted student? You’ll need to first complete an Application for Admission to Southwestern** Not sure whether or not you’re an admitted student? Contact us using the information above! (**Note: If you’re a community member simply looking to take a credit class for fun or personal enrichment, you’ll complete the Community Education and Personal Enrichment Form in lieu of the Application for Admission).
SUMMER TERM: Credit classes begin Monday, June 22, 2026. Registration for credit classes is available May 4, 2026 – June 24, 2026 (From June 25 – July 1, you will first need instructor consent before registering for a class).
FALL TERM: Credit classes begin Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Registration is available May 4, 2026 – Sept. 16, 2025 (From Sept. 17 – 23, you will first need instructor consent before registering for a class).
To register:
- First, clear with your advisor! If you’re unsure who your advisor is, you may call 541-888-7405 or schedule an advising meeting. Curry Campus students call 541-813-1667.
- Login to myLakerLink using your student ID and password.
- Search for courses to add under the appropriate term drop down. **Be sure you filter for credit classes (NOT community education classes)**
REGISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY CLASSES (COMMUNITY EDUCATION):
Summer Term 2026-27 community education class registration opens Monday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m. To register, follow the instructions on the top of the community class page. Classes offered for the term will post on the page prior to registration opening.
Stay tuned! Information about Fall Term 2026-27 community education class registration will become available later this summer.
As a reminder, all academic term dates and other important milestones may be found on the Academic Calendar. Click on the “2026-27 Academic Calendar” button, or click on the “categories” button and filter for “instructional calendar” to view the online version.
May 1, 2026 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at noon in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Southwestern is proud of the 2026 graduates! This year the College is pleased to honor a total of 358 graduates, from 19 states and 9 countries.
Degrees being awarded are:
138 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
144 Associate of Applied Science
26 Associate of General Studies
29 Associate of Science
5 Associate of Science Transfer
58 Certificates of Completion (one year)
Southwestern also congratulates 18 local high school students who have completed their associate degrees in a dual enrollment program in partnership with their individual high schools.
Guest attendance at the ceremony is by ticket only. The celebration can be viewed live via the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SouthwesternOR.
Additional information for graduates and their families can be found on the Graduation webpage located at https://www.socc.edu/graduation.
May 1, 2026 | Community, News
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern Oregon Community College is pleased to honor Valley Flora Farm and Pansy Lane Farm with our 2026 Career Technical Education (CTE) Industry Partner of the Year Award. Southwestern’s CTE partners’ steadfast support of our programs has been integral to our students’ success. They provide essential industry insight, hands-on learning opportunities, and guidance that ensures our curriculum stays aligned with real-world workforce needs.
DeAnne Variteck, Dean of CTE Programs at Southwestern, said, “Our CTE advisory board members are an extraordinary group of partners whose commitment to students and community truly sets our programs apart. By sharing their expertise, aligning our work with current industry standards, and creating meaningful internship opportunities, they ensure our students are not only learning, but experiencing the realities of their future careers. Their generosity of time and insight keeps our curriculum relevant, rigorous, and deeply connected to the workforce, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued leadership and support.”
Valley Flora 2026 Recipient
“Zoë Ida Bradbury DeSurra, co-owner of Valley Flora Farm, has been an invaluable partner to our Career and Technical Education programs, exemplifying both outstanding farming and community education. A leader in local market growing, Valley Flora models agroecology through certified organic practices, ecological pest management, and a strong local distribution network. Their exceptional produce has raised the standard of agriculture in Coos and Curry counties, and we are proud to honor them with the CTE Advisor Award.”
–Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
Born and raised in a river valley on the southern Oregon coast, Zoë grew up immersed in small-scale farming, from spring lambing to fall salmon runs, experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to sustainable agriculture and resilient local food systems. After working in the nonprofit sector, she returned to Langlois in 2008 to found Valley Flora with her mother and sister.
What began as a small family venture has become a cornerstone of the Southcoast food system, supplying year-round organic produce to families, schools, food banks, and co-ops across Coos and Curry Counties. With degrees from Stanford University and a Master’s in Community Change and Food Systems, Zoë blends academic expertise with hands-on experience as a Kellogg Food & Society Policy Fellow, published writer, and co-editor of Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers’ Movement.
Through certified organic, agroecological practices and a deep commitment to education and community, Valley Flora demonstrates that farming can be both economically viable and firmly rooted in sustainability, integrity, and stewardship.
Pansy Lane Farm 2026 Recipient
“Larry and Rebecca Javorsky of Pansy Lane Farm have greatly enriched our Career and Technical Education programs through generous mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. By welcoming students for internships, field trips, and real engagement with production agriculture, they offer experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Their commitment to curiosity, skill-building, and community helps -students see their role in building a healthy, resilient food system – making Pansy Lane Farm truly deserving of the CTE Advisor Award.”
–Maria Farinacci, Assistant Professor of Agroecology
Larry and Rebeca Javorsky’s journey began at Montana State University, where a shared love of the outdoors and growing things brought them together, inspired by generations of family gardeners and supported by degrees in biology and natural resources. From Montana to Arizona’s high desert, the Willamette Valley, and now the Oregon Coast, they have cultivated flowers, food, and community wherever they’ve lived.
In Coos Bay, they transformed their property into Pansy Lane Farm, an invaluable partner to our program, providing generous internship opportunities that give students hands-on experience in agriculture and farm operations while building skills, confidence, and understanding of resilient local food systems. Through mentorship and community connection, they help students see how individual farms contribute to a broader regional landscape.
It’s with great pleasure that we present these two excellent organizations with our CTE Partner of the Year Award.
To learn more about Southwestern’s career technical training programs visit www.socc.edu, or call 541-888-7405 to make an appointment with an advisor.
Joy Gathings discovered her personal potential and a clear sense of purpose at Southwestern. She has consistently earned a 3.7–4.0 GPA and is pursuing an Associate of Science in Human Services. Joy plans to establish a center that supports survivors of domestic violence by addressing addiction, building life skills, and offering classes that help individuals move toward safer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
