Chemeketa Students Named To 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team - 04/09/26

Three scholars recognized statewide for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community college success

Salem, Ore., April 7, 2026 — Three outstanding students from Chemeketa Community College have been selected for the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT), a prestigious recognition honoring community college students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

The Chemeketa honorees are:

• Jay Freilinger, 37, GPA 3.77 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer and Associate of General Studies; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Blayne Turner, 21, GPA 3.9 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Loren House, 34, GPA 3.86 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Western Oregon University
   

Each year, the All-Oregon Academic Team recognizes top scholars from Oregon’s 17 community colleges. Students selected for the team are nominated by their colleges and evaluated on academic performance, leadership, and their contributions to their campus and community.

“We are incredibly proud of Jay, Blayne, and Loren for earning this recognition,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Their achievements reflect countless hours of dedication, perseverance, and belief in their goals. Watching students reach this level of accomplishment is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it’s exciting to see them preparing to take their next steps at Oregon’s universities.”

In addition to being named to the team, Jay Freilinger has been selected as one of the student speakers at the All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon on April 17, an additional honor recognizing his leadership and accomplishments..

The All-Oregon Academic Team program is coordinated by the Oregon Community College Association and is part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Academic All-State Team program, which celebrates high-achieving community college students across the nation.

Chemeketa Community College offers a wide range of academic pathways designed to help students transfer to four-year universities, begin meaningful careers, and continue lifelong learning.

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

Chemeketa Community College Celebrates Community College Month, Highlighting Impact Across The Mid-Willamette Valley - 04/06/26

April recognition underscores how Chemeketa expands opportunity, fuels career pathways, and supports student success

Salem, Ore., April 6, 2026— Chemeketa Community College is proud to celebrate Community College Month this April, joining institutions across Oregon and the nation in recognizing the powerful role community colleges play in expanding access to education, strengthening communities, and preparing a skilled workforce.

Community College Month shines a spotlight on the real impact colleges like Chemeketa have every day. From career and technical education to university transfer pathways and workforce training, Chemeketa helps students build meaningful futures while meeting the needs of local employers.

“Community colleges are where opportunity starts, and at Chemeketa, we see that in action every single day,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “We see students who are changing the trajectory of their lives, starting college for the first time, returning to finish what they began, or gaining new skills to move into a better career.”

Serving thousands of students across the Mid-Willamette Valley, Chemeketa provides flexible, affordable pathways that meet learners where they are. Many students are the first in their families to attend college, are balancing work and family responsibilities, or are returning to education to pursue new opportunities.

Chemeketa’s programs are closely aligned with regional workforce needs, offering hands-on training in high-demand fields such as healthcare, trades, emergency services, business, and technology. Through partnerships with local industries and organizations, the college ensures students graduate with the skills and experience needed to step directly into family-wage careers.

Community colleges continue to be recognized as one of the best values in higher education, providing accessible options without sacrificing quality. In Oregon, community colleges serve more than 200,000 students annually, contributing to a stronger, more resilient economy and more vibrant communities.

“Chemeketa Community College – Building Careers, Strengthening Communities reflects exactly what we do,” Howard added. “When our students succeed, our entire region benefits.”

Throughout April, Chemeketa will highlight student stories, program offerings, and community partnerships that demonstrate the college’s impact across the region. Community members are encouraged to follow along and learn more about the opportunities available at Chemeketa.

For more information, visit www.chemeketa.edu

National Marketing Council Honors Chemeketa Community College At Washington, D.C., Conference - 03/24/26

Salem, Ore., March 24, 2026 — 

Chemeketa Community College has received a 2025 Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) at the council’s national conference in March in Washington, D.C.

The award, for Promotional Video, Long Form celebrates the college’s marketing team in collaboration with StyleChilde and 365 Creative Co.for promotion of Early Childhood Education.

“Behind every enrollment milestone, retention gain and student success story is a team of marketing and communications professionals working strategically and creatively to connect students with opportunity,” said Patrick Stone, NCMPR’s 2025-26 president and the director of strategic communications and marketing for Cape Cod Community College in Massachusetts. “This year’s winners stood out in an extraordinary field of entries, demonstrating that when community colleges invest in creativity and innovation, they amplify their mission and transform lives.”

NCMPR’s Paragon Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design, strategy and communication at community and technical colleges. It's the only national competition of its kind that honors excellence exclusively among marcom and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges.

This year’s awards drew 1,585 entries from 216 colleges across the country and was judged by 67 professionals from the marcom and public relations industry. 

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For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.

NCMPR supports the professional development of community college communicators, serving more than 1,500 members from more than 400 colleges across the United States and Canada. It’s the only organization of its kind that exclusively represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges and is one of the largest affiliates of the American Association of Community Colleges. NCMPR is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.