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COCC president delivers State of the College Address, honors the school’s 75th anniversary

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(Update: Adding video, comments from COCC President, Board of Directors)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- COCC President Dr. Laurie Chesley delivered the 2025 State of College Address Wednesday morning at Central Oregon Community College, looking back at accomplishments over its 75-year history and forward to many goals and programs on the way.

The presentation not only highlighted future goals - Chesley also took a look at some past milestones, in honor of the school's 75th anniversary.

COCC Board member Erin Merz said, "I actually learned a lot today about the college's history. To serve in this capacity on the board at this time, it feels really special."

COCC first opened its doors in 1949 with just 107 students.

Today, the college serves nearly 14,000 students across its four campuses in Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville.

Community members, regional leaders, employers, educators and partners were invited to attend the address.

Chesley said, "Now, when you think about going from the room in the basement to regional campuses and online presence, everything that we do - you can't do that without the support of the community."

She says enrollment is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.

"It isn't just about the numbers. It isn't just about the budget. It's really about - we want to serve students. We want more people. We're here about creating opportunities," Chesley said.

A key highlight of 2024 was the groundbreaking for a new Madras campus building designed to address workforce gaps and child care shortages in Jefferson County.

"We were at a critical point where we knew this is going to happen and we're ready to break ground. And so I think that is kind of the most memorable thing for me," Chesley said.

The facility will offer programs in Nursing, Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant and Early Childhood Education, with courses available in both English and Spanish.

Merz said, "To give those students an opportunity to stay in their community and to complete their credential right there in Madras, not have to drive to another campus is going to be an exciting opportunity for those students."

Next fall, several new apprenticeships will be launched, including ones in manufacturing and heavy equipment. The Vet Tech program will also be expanding at that time, offering its program annually instead of every other year.

The speech also highlighted STRIVE, an eight-week entrepreneurship program for veterans that launched this month.

It’s a bittersweet year for Chesley, who is set to retire from her role as president in June. The college is in the process of conducting interviews with three candidates. They hope to name her successor in February.

The event was free and open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, COCC live-streamed the address on its YouTube channel, which has a recording for later viewing.

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Jillian Fortner

Jillian Fortner is a multimedia journalist for NewsChannel 21. Learn more about Jillian here.

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