President's Office
Welcome to Southwestern Oregon Community College!
We value the trust you have put in us to help on this path to improving your life. I know from first-hand experience the positive transformation a community college can have.
That is why this college is committed to ensuring we meet your educational and cultural needs. Our faculty and staff strive every single day to inspire students on our Coos and Curry campuses. We want you to have the support you need to work toward your goals and successfully complete your studies.
When our students do well at Southwestern, they excel in careers. They contribute to healthier communities and a better world.
I hope to meet you. Most of all, I look forward to seeing you thrive at Southwestern and where success takes you in the future.
Patty Scott
Achieving the Dream bestows highest honor to Southwestern for improved student success
Read how Southwestern earned the 2025 Leah Meyer Austin Award for fostering a student-centered culture, improving student outcomes, and narrowing equity gaps.
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION
COLLEGE STATISTICS
BOARD MEETINGS
Monthly in public.
Location: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay, 97420. Tioga Hall Room 505
Contact: Dina Laskey for remote meeting information.
Email
Initiatives
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.