Lanning is top pick for COCC’s next president

The Central Oregon Community College Board of Directors confirmed Friday that Prineville native Dr. Patrick Lanning is the top candidate in the search for a new president to succeed departing James Middleton.

Message from COCC Board Chair Bruce Abernethy:

“I am pleased to report that the COCC Board of Directors has selected Dr. Patrick Lanning as our top candidate to become the next president of Central Oregon Community College,” said COCC Board Chair Bruce Abernethy.

“While we do have several more steps before concluding the process, the board is confident that Dr. Lanning has the background, experience and ability to lead this college into the future,” Abernethy said.

All three finalists visisted the area in recent weeks for interviews and to meet with members of the public. The other two finalists are Dr. Sheila Ortego, interim president at Pima Community College in Arizona and the former president of Santa Fe (New Mexico) Community College (2006-12), and Dana Young, president of Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario.

Lanning currently serves as the president of the Yamhill Valley Campus of Chemeketa Community College, and as the vice president/chief academic officer for the Chemeketa District.

The Prineville native is a graduate of Crook County High School. Prior to his current roles, he served as faculty member, dean and then associate vice president for instruction at Lane Community College.

Lanning earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology and master of science in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Oregon, and a doctor of education in community college leadership from Oregon State University.

Abernethy added, “I especially want to thank the hundreds of faculty, staff, students and community members who participated in the visits of our three candidates. Your participation significantly enriched the process and helped Dr. Lanning get a sense of the incredible pride that people have for the college.”