PCC’s Board Of Directors Announces College Leadership Transition - 05/14/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, the Portland Community College Board of Directors announced that the Board and PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings have entered into a mutual separation agreement, with Dr. Bennings utilizing family medical leave benefits until her employment concludes at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026.

“We are grateful for Dr. Bennings’ service and leadership at PCC over the past four years, particularly her passion for strategic planning, her work to strengthen curriculum alignment with Oregon’s workforce needs, and her role as a champion for student success through programs like Drive to Thrive, ensuring PCC students have the supports they need from day one through degree or program completion,” said Board Chair Tiffani Penson. “We appreciate the professionalism and shared commitment to the future of PCC and the students we serve during this time of transition. We know that Dr. Bennings will continue to effect change for the better in her next endeavor.”

Dr. Bennings said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve PCC during a period of significant change and impact. I remain proud of the work accomplished along with so many dedicated employees, students, and community partners. I leave with gratitude for the opportunity to serve PCC and with continued belief in the transformative power of community colleges.” 

Dr. Bennings’ current contract ends June 30, 2028, which, if terminated early, includes a full year’s salary and benefits. The separation agreement includes nine months of salary with health benefits, and entitles Dr. Bennings to the $25,000 retention benefit provided for in her employment contract.

The Board also announced today that PCC Executive Vice President Dr. Katy Ho will serve as Acting President, effective immediately. By resolution, the Board transferred all the President's authorities and duties to Dr. Ho. She will also continue to oversee her current portfolio of strategic leadership for Operations, Strategic Planning & Policy, Information Technology, Brand Management, and People Strategy. Dr. Ho has requested that she maintain her current salary and compensation at this time even as she takes on this larger role. 

“Dr. Ho is exactly the kind of leader we need for the next phase of PCC,” said Chair Penson. “Her educational background, professional experience, approach to leadership, and commitment to PCC’s mission will provide a stabilizing presence across our campuses. We ask the entire community to welcome her in this important role as a leader and a partner in building our future at PCC together.” 

At tonight's public meeting, and in a message to the PCC community, the Board emphasized its confidence in Dr. Ho to provide continuity of leadership and student-focused progress, while also looking forward to rebuilding for the future. The Board will provide updates as they become available on plans for identifying the next president, but those plans will be informed by community engagement at all levels, which is the immediate focus and priority for Dr. Ho and the Board of Directors in the coming months. 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC Earns $1.2 Million State Grant To Grow Semiconductor Workforce Pathways (Photo) - 05/12/26

PHOTO: Quick Start Grad and Intel Operations Manager Atalie Mitchell.

PHOTO: Atalie Mitchell, close up.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. – As Oregon works to meet the growing demand for highly skilled semiconductor workers, Portland Community College has earned a $1.2 million state grant to expand access to training and connect more students to high-wage careers in one of the state’s most critical industries.

The money is part of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s $8.5 million in awards from Oregon’s Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund to eight institutions and organizations working to build workforce pathways in the semiconductor industry.

PCC’s award will support increased dual-credit and pathway engagement for semiconductor training while sustaining and expanding the college’s Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training Program. The funding will be used to sustain industry-aligned programs and expand dual credit pathway engagement programs for secondary partners, including externships, student supports and an AI module.

“This investment is a powerful affirmation of Portland Community College’s role in building Oregon’s semiconductor workforce,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “Thanks to this funding, we can connect more students, especially those historically underrepresented in the industry, to life-changing opportunities in this critical industry.”

PCC is one of eight grantees receiving Semiconductor Talent Sustaining Fund support, along with Chemeketa Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Oregon STEM, Portland State University and the University of Oregon.

All grantees are active members of Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology, or FAST, a partnership led by Oregon State University that includes 95 organizations across industry, higher education, government and the nonprofit sector. FAST is also a finalist for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award that could bring major federal investment to Oregon over the next decade.

Governor Tina Kotek said, “Oregon is a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, and these critical investments will keep powering us forward. These funds will help unlock the potential of our colleges and universities to meet our growing workforce demands and elevate future talent across Oregon."

PCC’s Quick Start Program is based at the college’s Willow Creek Opportunity Center, a hub for career and workforce development. Developed through partnerships with Intel, Worksystems, the City of Hillsboro, Washington County and other regional partners, Quick Start is an intensive 10-day course designed to prepare students for entry-level semiconductor manufacturing positions.

Since launching in 2022, the program has graduated nearly 650 students and has become a cornerstone of PCC’s advanced manufacturing workforce development efforts. Quick Start also plays an important role in diversifying the semiconductor workforce by encouraging women, people of color and other underrepresented communities to explore careers in advanced manufacturing.

For more information, visit pcc.edu/semiconductor. 

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC Celebrates Completion Of Largest-ever Renovation At Health Technology Building - 05/06/26

VIDEO & PHOTO: Ribbon cutting and speeches.

SOUTHWEST PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College’s newest facility has earned a “clean bill of health,” and is now serving the region’s healthcare workforce needs.

On Tuesday, May 5, Portland Community College celebrated the completion of the college’s largest-ever renovation and officially introduced the newly renovated Health Technology Building to the public. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours for local leadership, members of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce, community partners and college employees.

Approximately 100 guests attended the celebration at PCC’s Sylvania Campus in Southwest Portland, where President Dr. Adrien Bennings joined college leaders to mark the completion of the state-of-the-art renovation. The facility, which opened to students and the public for spring term, will primarily support healthcare education and training.

“This building is much more than a renovation,” said Bennings. “It is an investment in our students, our healthcare workforce and the future of our region. These updated spaces will give students hands-on training for in-demand careers while helping meet a critical need for qualified healthcare professionals across our region.”

The Health Technology renovation began in 2018 and was funded through PCC’s 2017 and 2022 voter-approved bond measures. The west-side renovation modernized 66,000 square feet, including 9,500 square feet of new instructional space, at a total project cost of $37 million. The investment significantly upgrades the college’s healthcare and emergency professions programs and expands PCC’s ability to deliver hands-on, career-focused instruction in modern learning environments.

The HT West project followed phase one of the building renovation on the east side, completed in 2023. That earlier phase renovated nearly 100,000 square feet at a cost of $78 million and was funded through the 2017 bond measure. Together, the two phases represent an investment in a cornerstone career-technical education facility that had not received a full upgrade since the 1960s.

"The expansion and reopening of the PCC Health Technology Building marks a significant investment in training the region’s future healthcare workforce with modern, hands-on learning spaces,” said Tigard Chamber Chief Executive Officer Megan De Salvo. “This upgraded facility strengthens Portland Community College’s ability to meet growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across the region. The Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate this reopening as it is a powerful investment in our region’s local workforce pipeline and our future as the region’s healthcare hub." 

The renovated building includes updated instructional and support spaces for important programs -- Nursing, Medical Imaging and Radiography, Physical Education, Exercise Science, as well as additional collaboration areas throughout the facility. Designed with student belonging and community in mind, the building also features an all-user locker room with fully private changing, shower and restroom facilities. In addition, there are refreshed student commons and new fitness areas that support both academic programs and community education.

There is also dedicated instructional space for academic non-credit healthcare programs, helping ensure a comprehensive and modern training environment for both entry-level and continuing education students. By expanding capacity and access across key disciplines, the project better aligns PCC’s programs with regional workforce needs.

That need is significant. Oregon employers continue to report more open positions than available workers to fill them, and the shortage is especially acute in healthcare. 

“By modernizing our instructional spaces and expanding access across multiple healthcare disciplines, PCC is ensuring that our programs are aligned with the needs of our students and regional employer partners,” said Janeen Hull, dean for the Healthcare & Emergency Professions Pathway. “We are equipping the next generation of healthcare, emergency and fitness professionals with the skills to lead and the hands-on experience to succeed from day one.”

Program improvements include the expansion of nursing assistant labs to Sylvania, multiple medical assisting cohorts across three campus locations, and a specialized VO2 max testing lab for Exercise Science Program students. These enhancements strengthen preparation for careers in healthcare, rehabilitation and fitness while broadening access to training opportunities across the district.

The project also reflects PCC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and inclusive design. The renovation is designed to meet LEED Gold standards and is pursuing LEED NC v4.1 certification, and incorporates energy modeling, sustainability workshops and incentives through Energy Trust of Oregon. The design process included extensive stakeholder outreach and engagement, including workshops that applied a critical race spatial lens.

“This renovation represents PCC’s commitment to creating learning environments that reflect the excellence, innovation and care our students will bring to the communities they serve,” Bennings said. “At PCC, we believe students deserve learning spaces that inspire confidence, belonging, and excellence, and this transformation helps make that possible.” 

The benefits of these investments extend well beyond campus. A 2026 economic impact study by Lightcast based on 2024 data found that PCC contributes $2.7 billion to the regional economy and supports 20,700 jobs. The same study found students gain approximately $4.10 in higher future earnings for every $1 invested in their education.

“We are deeply grateful to our voters and community for investing in facilities that expand opportunity and strengthen the region’s future,” she added.

For more information about the HT Building renovation, visit pcc.edu/bond/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

PCC Foundation Hosts ‘Together For Tomorrow’ Celebration To Support Student Scholarships (Photo) - 04/29/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Community College Foundation is hosting its annual “Together for Tomorrow” fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at the Performing Arts Center on the Sylvania Campus, 12000 SW 49th Ave. 

The evening will feature student stories and celebrate the transformative power of a PCC education while raising funds for scholarships. Guests will enjoy food and drinks, an inspiring program and opportunities to connect with fellow PCC supporters. There will be live music by PCC alum DJ Aspen, who is the official house DJ for the Portland Trail Blazers, Thorns and Timbers. 

The event helps expand access to education and ensure students have the support they need to thrive.

“‘Together for Tomorrow’ goes beyond raising funds,” said Christina Kline, executive director of the PCC Foundation. “It’s a powerful moment of community and shared purpose as we unite to lift up students and build a stronger future.”

Proceeds from the event directly support PCC student scholarships, ensuring more students have the opportunity to pursue their goals. Kianalia Towle, a PCC Veterinary Technology Program student, is a scholarship recipient who will speak at the event.

“Without scholarships, I wouldn’t be pursuing a career in the field I’ve always dreamed of working in, and they made it possible to keep going, even when life got hard,” Towle said.

Event details:

• “Together for Tomorrow” fundraiser

• 5:30-9 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026

• Performing Arts Center, PCC Sylvania Campus (12000 SW 49th Ave.)

• Tickets: $100; free parking

The foundation partner Comcast has supported the event for the past seven years and continues to invest in student success and community empowerment. 

“We’re proud to partner with the PCC Foundation to support students and strengthen our communities,” said Tim Goodman, senior director of government and community affairs at Comcast. “‘Together for Tomorrow’ reflects our commitment to expanding access to education and opportunity across the region.”

To purchase tickets and learn more, visit pcc.edu/togetherfortomorrow.

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.

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PCC Lands Key Training Role In $1 Million Oregon Health Authority EMS Grant (Photo) - 04/21/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon’s health care system is facing persistent workforce shortages and growing pressure to deliver timely care across both urban and rural communities. In its 2025 statewide needs assessment, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) highlights ongoing challenges, including burnout, uneven access in rural areas, and barriers like transportation and childcare that can keep qualified workers from entering or staying in health care roles. 

To strengthen emergency response capacity statewide, Portland Community College has been awarded nearly $1 million through the Healthy Oregon Workforce Training Opportunity (HOWTO) Grant Program, supporting scholarships that will run through next fall. 

“This investment tackles one of Oregon’s most urgent health workforce needs: ensuring communities can count on trained emergency responders when seconds matter,” said PCC’s Dean for the Healthcare and Emergency Professions Pathway Janeen Hull. “By reducing financial barriers and providing wraparound support, we’re helping more Oregonians complete training and move into family-wage jobs that strengthen community health.”

Of the total funding, approximately $420,000 is dedicated to tuition and educational support in the form of scholarships paid directly to students, which will help 100 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) statewide continue training and earn certification. PCC’s EMS Program will train the majority of its assigned seats, roughly 21 to 30 new EMTs over the coming year, with cohorts currently enrolled for spring–summer (10 two-term students), and this fall (10 accelerated students). PCC had 10 second-term students enrolled during winter term.

The grant launches an EMS training pathway designed to advance health equity through recruitment and comprehensive student support. In addition to free tuition and fees, the pathway offers career coaching, outreach services, language assistance, transportation and childcare support, which is an approach aligned with OHA’s emphasis on addressing practical barriers that limit workforce participation. 

Key employer partners like Metro West Ambulance have committed to providing hands-on training and hiring opportunities for scholarship recipients, with eligible candidates potentially hired while still enrolled. Participating ambulance employers include Metro West Ambulance, Bay Cities Ambulance, Medix Ambulance Service, Woodburn Ambulance, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Pacific West Ambulance, and Pioneer Ambulance. The program provides opportunities through June 30, 2027. 

PCC offers a 12-credit EMT certificate, completed either as two consecutive six-credit courses or through an accelerated fall option that delivers all 12 credits in one term. After completion, students are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam and submit their credential for Oregon licensure. In 2024, 87% of PCC EMT students passed the NREMT exam and achieved state licensure, representing 253 newly credentialed EMTs from PCC that year.

PCC will provide OHA with program data including enrollment, retention, completion, exam readiness, NREMT pass rates, and Oregon licensure outcomes.

For more details on the college's Emergency Medical Services Program, visit https://www.pcc.edu/programs/emergency-medical/

About Portland Community College: Founded in 1961, Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon and provides training, degree and certificate completion, and lifelong learning to more than 57,000 full- and part-time students in Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. PCC has four comprehensive campuses, 10 education centers or areas served, and approximately 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.

Visit PCC news on the web at http://news.pcc.edu/

For B-ROLL footage, visit PCC campus and student life highlight reel.