May 13, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is hiring people this spring for the SWOCC Trail Crew to build hiking and biking trails. The project will involve restoration and construction of trails and bridges through SWOCC’s Coos Campus forest beside Empire Lakes and connecting to Coos Bay’s John Topits Park. This is a partnership between the College, SOWIB, and Port Orford-based Ptarmigan Trails.
Trail Crew members will be full-time and get to work outside. They will get training in hands-on tool use and learn trail-construction skills that can be used in recreation, forestry, landscaping and other outdoor career pathways. This is the first phase of a project to build more than 4.5 miles of natural surface trails on the Coos Campus for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
All necessary gear for the crew including boots, gloves, and safety equipment is provided.
Interested individuals can call (541) 888-7211, or email foundation@socc.edu.
May 13, 2025 | Community, News
[Photo: Southwestern’s Assistant Professor of Biology, Amy Burgess, instructs students at the Cape Arago tide pools. Students in Southwestern’s new Marine Biology Program will study coastal ecosystems like these before transferring to OIMB.]
Partnership ensures students transfer seamlessly into the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB)
COOS BAY, OR – Students now have a direct path to earning a bachelor’s degree in marine biology without leaving Oregon’s South Coast, thanks to a new partnership between Southwestern Oregon Community College and the University of Oregon’s Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) in Charleston.
The new Associate of Science in Marine Biology at Southwestern allows students to complete the first two years of their bachelor’s degree and seamlessly transfer to the University of Oregon to finish their upper-division coursework at OIMB.
“It just makes sense,” said Dr. Doug Goodwin, Dean of Instruction – Transfer, Arts, & Community Education at Southwestern. “With a nationally renowned marine research institute in our backyard, this collaboration opens the door for students to complete their entire marine biology degree—start to finish—right here on the South Coast, in one of the most beautiful and biologically rich environments on the Pacific Coast.”
This is the only associate degree program of its kind in Oregon. Southwestern’s location near Charleston, where OIMB is based, allows students to immerse themselves in coastal ecosystems from the very beginning of their college journey.
“We’re excited for SWOCC’s new Associate of Science in Marine Biology and the opportunity to collaborate on a more accessible pathway for Oregon students,” said Maya Watts, Education Program Coordinator at OIMB. “This program allows students to immerse themselves in marine biology for four consecutive years on our two coastal campuses. It helps students integrate into the coastal community and the many opportunities it offers.”
Students in the program will take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, oceanography, and mathematics at Southwestern. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking, ecosystem understanding, and global environmental awareness. After completing a two-year degree at Southwestern and transferring, students will complete hands-on, field-based courses at OIMB in subjects including marine ecology, deep sea biology, and invertebrate zoology.
Ultimately, students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology could pursue careers as marine biologists, in research, ocean engineering, archaeology, marine aquarium work, and environmental and energy specialties.
See below for a complete listing of classes associated with this pathway:
Course List – Marine Biology Pathway
Fall term registration for the 2025-26 academic year is now open!
CLICK HERE for information about how to register for Summer and Fall Term classes.
To speak with an advisor or learn how to enroll, contact Southwestern Admissions at 541-240-8227 or swoccbound@socc.edu.
May 12, 2025 | Alumni, News
COOS BAY, Ore. – When people describe Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus, they speak of a man defined by exceptional character and integrity. He’s a man who exemplifies a relentless work ethic, starting with his first job working in a sawmill on the Coos Bay waterfront and carrying into a 33-year career marked by leadership and innovation.
Southwestern is proud to honor Brian K. Chaney, a 1992 graduate and current Senior Vice President of Wood Products at Weyerhaeuser, with its highest achievement award. This distinction recognizes not only his professional achievements but also his contributions to the wood products industry and to society.
“Brian Chaney has a great story and is a powerful example of how community colleges launch leaders,” said college President Patty Scott. “He embodies the values we hope all students develop. He’s a leader who drives wise business strategy and operational excellence, while empowering his colleagues to thrive.”
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the 2025 SWOCC Distinguished Alumnus. During my time at SWOCC, I not only received an exceptional education, I also developed lifelong learning skills that have helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Brian Chaney commented. “When I was a student at SWOCC, I had no idea what I was going to do next, but my experiences there taught me that I could do more than I thought. I’m thankful to the teachers and staff who inspired me to continue my education and achieve excellence in my career — especially because I know they continue this valuable work today, positively impacting the lives of people on the south coast of Oregon and beyond.”
Chaney began his career with Weyerhaeuser in 1991, working at the company’s former Coos Bay Export Lumbermill on the Coos Bay waterfront. Sam Dickey and Tom Bennett, former Weyerhaeuser staff, mentored Chaney in his first years with the company. They recognized great potential. When Dickey moved on to build a new mill in the Willamette Valley, he made sure he hired Chaney. Over the next three decades, Chaney rose steadily through the organization, holding senior-level roles across the Timberlands and Wood Products businesses. These included vice president of Wood Products Sales and Marketing (2019); VP of Engineered Wood Products and Distribution (2020–2022); and VP of Engineered Wood Products and Innovation (2022–2024). In 2024, he was selected to lead Weyerhaeuser’s largest business segment as Senior Vice President of Wood Products.
“From the start, Brian’s problem-solving style was enhanced by how much he listened and respected the ideas and experience of others on any team he was part of,” Bennett said.
Chaney also listened when, as a high school senior, his parents Keedy and Nancy Chaney encouraged him to consider starting college at Southwestern. He took their advice, earned top grades, and launched a path of lifelong learning and leadership.
In addition to his Associate of Liberal Arts and Science degree from Southwestern, Chaney earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oregon State University and completed the Stanford University Executive Program. Brian Chaney will be a featured speaker at Southwestern’s commencement ceremony at noon on June 13. This year’s graduating class includes 412 graduates from 21 states and 13 countries.
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Since 1992, Southwestern has celebrated former students who have distinguished themselves in professions and innovative efforts to build friendships around the globe. Past recipients have included leaders in education, the arts, Native American tribes, business and finance, research, medicine, and the military.
May 9, 2025 | Curry Campus, News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at noon in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus, 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay.
Southwestern is proud of the 2025 graduates! This year the College is pleased to honor a total of 412 graduates, from 21 states and 13 countries.
Degrees being awarded are:
143 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
110 Associate of Applied Science
50 Associate of General Studies
41 Associate of Science
5 Associate of Science Transfer
127 Certificates of Completion (one year)
Southwestern also congratulates seven 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 8, 2025 | Community, News
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) athletics is pleased to host a two-day 2025 Laker Youth Basketball Camp on June 16-17, 2025, at the Recreation Center gymnasium. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, make new friends, and enjoy the game under the guidance of experienced coaches.
The camp schedule for both days is as follows:
- Athletes just completing 1st – 3rd Grade: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Athletes just completing 4th – 8th Grade: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The registration fee for each camper for both days is $60. Payment is accepted at the door and checks should be made out to SWOCC Basketball.
Pre-registration is encouraged (on-site registration will also be accepted). To pre-register, simply:
- Go to the 2025 Laker Basketball Camp athletics page
- Complete the 2025 Laker Basketball Camp Form
- Complete the Basketball Hold Harmless Form
For any additional questions, contact SWOCC’s head women’s basketball coach Heather Weber at 541-391-3494 or email heather.weber@socc.edu.
Don’t miss this opportunity for your athlete to learn basketball skills from SWOCC basketball coaches and players! Sign up today and join us for two days of learning, skill-building and a lot of fun on the court.
May 5, 2025 | Curry Campus, Curry News, News, OCCI News
Summer Term 2025-26 is quickly approaching, and Fall Term will be here before we know it!
- SUMMER TERM: Classes start Monday, June 23, 2025
- FALL TERM: Classes start Monday, Sept. 15, 2025
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 541-813-1677 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 23, 2025. Registration for credit classes is available May 5, 2025 – June 25, 2025 (Starting June 26, 2025, you will first need instructor consent before registering for a class).
FALL TERM: Credit classes begin Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. Registration is available May 5, 2025 – Sept. 17, 2025 (Starting Sept. 18, 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 2025-26 community education class registration opens Wednesday, June 4 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 2025-26 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 “2025-26 Academic Calendar” button for a .pdf version, or click on the “categories” button and filter for “instructional calendar” to view the online version.
