COCC names new vice president for instruction

Dr. Charles Abasa-Nyarko has been named vice president for instruction at Central Oregon Community College. Abasa-Nyarko, who assumed his new role in July, succeeds Dr. Karin Hilgersom, who was appointed president of Sullivan County Community College in New York.

“Charles has a proven record of ‘doing the job’ with a focus on collaboration and problem solving,” said Dr. James Middleton, president of COCC. “He has served as the chief academic officer at several institutions in different states, demonstrating the skill in understanding and tailoring initiatives to fit local contexts. References and his own presentations spoke to Charles’s collaborative style.

“Most recently, Charles helped guide Baltimore City Community College to address accreditation issues related to learning outcomes,” Middleton stated. “His experience in analyzing and addressing this key issue will be valuable as COCC improves its planning and outcome assessment in these same areas.”

Abasa-Nyarko served as executive planner and project manager at Baltimore City Community College since 2012. Between 2008 and 2012, he worked with the government of Ghana with the goal of establishing community colleges in that country. Abasa-Nyarko served as vice president for academic affairs at Bunker Hill Community College and vice president for academic services at Gloucester County College.

Abasa-Nyarko earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with economics from the University of Ghana, a master’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University and a doctorate degree in international studies from the University of South Carolina.

“This is an exciting and challenging leadership position in a multi-campus system,” Abasa-Nyarko said. “I see COCC as the place where, working with faculty, staff, and students, we can build on what has been accomplished and take the college to a new level of prominence.

“I believe that my experience and leadership roles at other colleges have given me the experience and qualifications I need to tackle the job at COCC. I am having a wonderful time meeting people and learning more about the college and the Central Oregon area.”

The vice president for instruction is the chief academic officer for the college and is responsible for the overall vision and direction of the academic programs and instructional delivery, including planning, assessment, accreditation, program development, instructional technology, budget management and the recruitment, assessment and development of the faculty.

The instructional area includes all disciplines taught at the College, as well as community (noncredit) education, special instructional projects, workshops, library services, media services, tutoring/testing and student disability services.