About President Scott
Patty Scott grew up in the small northeastern Oregon town of Wallowa. She comes from a family of teachers, and was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. These experiences set her on a path pursuing excellence in education for rural Oregon.
She followed her love of learning to Lane Community College in Eugene. Scott went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Oregon. She then earned a master of arts degree in college student personnel administration from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and doctorate of education in community college leadership from Oregon State University.
Prior to coming to Southwestern, Scott worked in student services at the University of Oregon and in career services at Roger Williams College (now University) in Bristol, RI. At Southwestern as faculty, she worked in counseling and TRIO student support, prior to overseeing educational support programs and serving as dean of students.
In 2008, she stepped into the presidency and has remained committed to leading the college in its service to thousands of students annually and communities on the south Oregon coast.
Building community is central to who President Scott is. She is active in efforts to improve volunteerism and serves in several nonprofits and government boards. She also leads Gift of Literacy with Rotary. The project encourages a love of reading among young children, providing all first-graders in the region with activities around reading and their own books, closing with a celebration and visit to the college’s Coos Bay campus.