Jun 2, 2026 | Alumni, News, Student Success
Sam Stevens, a Coos County native who grew up in Powers, found more than just an education at Southwestern. After being out of the classroom for almost 30 years, Sam says the welcoming environment, especially from his geology instructor Ron Metzger, made all the difference and helped him learn how to be a student again, build lasting friendships, and gain self-confidence.
After earning his associate’s degree from SWOCC and his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University, Sam began teaching at the elementary level in Powers in 2012. Today, he serves as Dean of Students for the Powers School District, a role he’s held for the past four years. Even in his leadership position, he still teaches a couple of classes each day and steps in wherever he’s needed — keeping a foot in the world of teaching.
Looking ahead, Sam plans to work a few more years before retiring and spending more time with his grandchildren. He’s passionate about seeing his family and community thrive and believes that starts in the schools.
Jun 1, 2026 | Curry News, News, Student Success
COOS BAY, Ore. – Southwestern is proud to honor Rashinda Reed, head women’s volleyball coach at the University of Alabama, as 2026 Distinguished Alumna. Reed has built a reputation for inspiring excellence and fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and achievement among her athletes. Known for her ability to connect with players and challenge them to reach their full potential, Reed’s leadership reflects both her competitive drive and her deep commitment to student-athlete success.
Reed’s journey began at Southwestern, where she played for the Lakers in 2000–01. Quickly emerging as a standout, she earned NWAACC all-star honors and helped lead her team to postseason competition. Early in the season at a California tournament, voters deemed her Most Valuable Player. After netting win after win, community sportswriters started calling Reed the Lakers’ best offensive player. “One is dominant because of her sheer power.” That was the lead sentence on a season finale story in October 2021 praising power-hitter Reed.
She went on to compete at the University of Georgia, earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2005, and later played professionally in Europe. Reed transitioned into coaching soon after, holding positions at the University of Southern Indiana and Binghamton University, where she contributed to conference championship success. She later served as head coach at Northern Michigan University before joining the University of Illinois staff, where the program made multiple deep NCAA Tournament runs, including appearances in the Sweet 16 and national semifinals.
In 2021, Reed was named head volleyball coach at the University of Alabama, becoming the first Black woman to lead the program. Her impact has been immediate. She brings energy, vision, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Reed is also a dedicated parent and role model, demonstrating balance, perseverance, and purpose.
President Patty Scott and Rashinda Reed
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized as an alumna of Southwestern Oregon Community College. Coming from a small town, I always imagined myself going somewhere bigger, but SWOCC ended up becoming one of the most meaningful and impactful places in my life. The relationships, mentorship, lessons, and experiences I gained there continue to shape me every day as a coach, leader, and person. Looking back, I realize how special those two years truly were. SWOCC is a hidden gem, and I feel so fortunate that SWOCC volleyball found me. I honestly owe so much of who I am today to that place and the people who believed in me along the way,” said Reed.
A 2019 inductee into Southwestern’s Athletic Hall of Fame and a 2026 inductee into the Northwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, Reed continues to inspire the next generation of student-athletes. Her journey from Southwestern to national prominence is a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work, leadership, and belief in yourself.
“Rashinda is a truly deserving recipient of the College’s Distinguished Alum honor,” said President Patty Scott. “She was a powerful force for success at our college two decades ago. And today, her career success is a clear example of how community colleges prepare people not just to begin down a path to a job, but to lead and excel throughout life.”
Reed will be a featured speaker at Southwestern’s commencement ceremony at noon on June 12.
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 | 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 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 410 graduates, from 19 states and 9 countries.
Degrees being awarded are:
156 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer
140 Associate of Applied Science
20 Associate of General Studies
3 Associate of Arts
28 Associate of Science
7 Associate of Science Transfer
56 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.
Mar 24, 2026 | News, Student Success
COOS BAY, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s (SWOCC) Hall of Fame honors former athletes, teams, coaches, and those that have had a large impact on the school and its athletic programs. Two teams covering a wide range of Laker history will make up the Southwestern Oregon Community College Hall of Fame’s class of 2026.
This year’s inductees are the first Women’s Wrestling National Champion, Kendra Nelson, and the first official Women’s Wrestling Team from the 2011–2012 season, coached by Bo Icalia and assisted by Gilbert Perez.
Team members included Alejandra Paez, Biri Mendoza, Caroline (Crawford) Parent, Hannah (Moon) Narguis, Joelle Wheeler, Katy (Dawson) Nokes, Liezl Mondoc, Shay Way, Sarah Kimble-Moore, and Hannah Francis.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Prosper Hall on the Coos Campus (1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay) Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 3:00pm following the annual sports awards.
There is no fee to attend this event. A reception will follow at Gino’s Pizza, located at 1324 Virginia Ave., North Bend. For questions or to RSVP to this event, please email HOF@socc.edu.
To learn more about Southwestern’s athletic programs visit: https://swoccathletics.com/.
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.
