The popular BOLT program that debuted in 2020 is being offered again to help college-bound high-schoolers make a smooth transition to higher education.

Salem, Oregon, May 25, 2022 — Chemeketa’s Bolt program is back! Bolt first launched in spring 2020 to engage high school seniors that graduated early as a result of the pandemic. This year, the program is back for the summer term and will support 2022 high school graduates and upcoming seniors in Chemeketa’s service district. Homeschooled students that are 2022 graduates or upcoming seniors are also eligible to participate. The Bolt Summer Program classes will be 5-week intensive courses that will start June 21st and go through July 23rd. Classes will be offered in a variety of forms from in person on the Salem campus, online and remote.

High school students who are interested in this free summer opportunity are encouraged to visit: https://www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/high-school-programs/college-credit-now/ and complete a student participation form. For more information, contact Chemeketa’s  College Credit Now office at 503.399.5239 or send an email to collegecreditnow@chemeketa.edu.  The program has space for 450 students.

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For more than 50 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 multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 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).

(from left) Vice President of Academic Affairs Mike Vargo, Brent Mobley-Oorthuys, Board of Education President, Jackie Franke, and Chemeketa President, Jessica Howard

Taylor Marrow and Brent Mobley-Oorthys were formally recognized by the Chemeketa Board of Education

Salem, Oregon, May 23, 2022 — Chemeketa Community College recently announced the selection of Taylor Marrow III, full-time instructor from Chemeketa’s History department, and Brent Mobley-Oorthuys, part-time instructor from Chemeketa’s Health Information Systems program as the inaugural winners of the Excellence in Teaching Award.  Nominees were submitted by students, employees, alumni, and the greater community and then evaluated on specific criteria, including mastery of subject matter, innovative curriculum development, and instructional design that fosters the critical thinking necessary for engaging successfully with complex academic challenges.  Additionally, nominees must display exceptional service to the college and our community. 

Taylor Marrow III has taught at Chemeketa since 2004. Marrow’s excellence in teaching is best shown in how he skillfully facilitates class discussions that leave indelible impressions on students. One student commented, “It was clear some of the students were zoning out so Professor Marrow shifted gears…by the end of class every student - even the traditionally quiet ones - were actively participating…in all my years of schooling, I had never felt a classroom so alive as I did that day.” He guides students in perspective-taking and historical analysis by investigating primary sources while also helping them discover connections to present-day events. Outside of the classroom, Marrow mentors students, regularly offering assistance and support. He frequently contributes to co-curricular activities sponsored by Multicultural Student Services and College Life. He even makes time for scholarship, having recently edited the Chemeketa Press book, America Awakened: The Anti-Lynching Crusade of Ida B. Wells-Barnett.

Brent Mobley-Oorthuys was a student at Chemeketa prior to joining the College as an instructor in 1996. The “life-changing” experience he had as a student imbued him with a mission for ensuring his students have the same opportunities. Brent excels by immediately connecting with all his students, learning about their professional goals, identifying their academic needs, and marshaling tailored resources for their success. His courses require students to commit medical terminology to memory, so in the classroom, he enlivens each session with a range of strategies to promote engagement, retention, and recall. He equips students with learning skills alongside the course content that allow them to succeed. One student commented, “He held us to high standards, and provided all the tools we needed to meet those standards.” 

In addition to formal recognition by the Board of Education, the winners each received a $1,000 salary bonus, and their names were engraved on a commemorative plaque that is now displayed in the library of the Salem campus.

The selection committee was impressed with the number of nominations they received - 170 instructors in all - and they were inspired by many of the candidates’ work. In particular, they made honorable mentions to the finalists: Darren Hunter, Laura Lawn, Todd Pynch, Mariah Tilman, and Rebecca Wilson for the part-time award and Christopher Claysmith, Jill Lomax, Christopher MacLean, Shannon Othus-Gault, Erika Romine, and Keith Schloeman for the full-time award. 

Chemeketa looks forward to continuing this tradition and welcomes nominations for next year’s award.

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For more than 50 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 multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 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).

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Chemeketa will be formally recognized at the International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence

Salem, Ore., May 18, 2022 —The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) along with Diverse: Issues In Higher Education, have recognized Chemeketa Community College as a ”2022 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges.”  Chemeketa’s student and staff recruitment and retention practices, inclusive learning and working environments, and meaningful community service engagement opportunities earned the title of  “Best in Class.” The award will be presented at NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence on May 31, 2022 in Austin, Texas.

The full list of this year’s 24 winning community colleges along with information about why they were selected will be published in the May 26, 2022 issue of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.  With a focus on workplace diversity, staffing practices,  and work environment, the award’s committee used a web-based survey approach to examine categories such as family friendliness, salary/benefits, and professional development opportunities, to name a few, in determining the winner’s list. 

Chemeketa is committed to providing a campus where all individuals and groups feel welcomed, respected, and valued. “We are delighted and honored to be recognized for our commitment to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment that provides growth opportunities for our students and employees,” said Jessica Howard, Chemeketa’s President. 

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For more than 50 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 multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves 30,000 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.