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News Release

PCC Names Karen Paez Interim Vice President For Academic Affairs (Photo) - 10/26/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College is welcoming a new leader for its Academic Affairs Division.

 

PCC recently named Karen Paez interim vice president for Academic Affairs, effective Oct. 21, 2026. A former psychologist turned educator and experienced college administrator, Paez will guide PCC’s academic priorities while strengthening connections among instruction, student success and workforce needs.

 

The Wilsonville resident and Albuquerque, New Mexico native served as associate vice president for Academic and Career Pathways, a position she has held since January 2021. Her appointment comes as PCC works to provide stability within Academic Affairs and align its academic vision with enrollment, financial planning and the changing needs of students and the region.

 

“Karen will bring experienced, steady leadership to PCC’s academic mission at a critical time for our college,” said Katy Ho, PCC’s interim president.

 

In her most recent role, Paez oversaw a portfolio representing approximately 2,600 employees across the college’s academic credit programs, academic non-credit programs, community education program, and workforce development programs. Her work connects industry and education, supports inclusive academic programs and helps align curriculum with community and workforce needs.

 

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the entire ACP division,” said Paez. “Serving alongside such a passionate, student-centered team has been an extraordinary privilege. As I step into my new role, maintaining close connections with this community remains a top priority.”

 

Ho highlighted Paez’s work across disciplines to strengthen programs, support faculty participation in shared governance and keep students’ experiences central to college decisions.

 

“I have tremendous confidence that Karen’s knowledge of PCC, strong relationships across the college, and commitment to student-centered decision-making will be especially valuable as we navigate both immediate priorities and important questions about PCC’s academic future,” the president said.

 

Previously, Paez served as dean of instruction at PCC’s Sylvania Campus, overseeing instructional programs, learning support services and a $95 million biennial budget. She also served as division dean of Student Support Services and interim dean of student development, supporting programs ranging from adult basic education and counseling to career services and veterans’ resources.

 

Paez earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services from the University of Oregon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University.

 

The president said Paez’s appointment will help advance an academic vision that informs institutional decisions and responds to the evolving needs of PCC’s communities.

 

“This work will require listening as much as leading,” the president said.

 

For more info, visit https://www.pcc.edu/

 

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Karen Paez,

PCC Names Karen Paez Interim Vice President For Academic Affairs (Photo) - 10/26/26

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College is welcoming a new leader for its Academic Affairs Division.

 

PCC recently named Karen Paez interim vice president for Academic Affairs, effective Oct. 21, 2026. A former psychologist turned educator and experienced college administrator, Paez will guide PCC’s academic priorities while strengthening connections among instruction, student success and workforce needs.

 

The Wilsonville resident and Albuquerque, New Mexico native served as associate vice president for Academic and Career Pathways, a position she has held since January 2021. Her appointment comes as PCC works to provide stability within Academic Affairs and align its academic vision with enrollment, financial planning and the changing needs of students and the region.

 

“Karen will bring experienced, steady leadership to PCC’s academic mission at a critical time for our college,” said Katy Ho, PCC’s interim president.

 

In her most recent role, Paez oversaw a portfolio representing approximately 2,600 employees across the college’s academic credit programs, academic non-credit programs, community education program, and workforce development programs. Her work connects industry and education, supports inclusive academic programs and helps align curriculum with community and workforce needs.

 

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the entire ACP division,” said Paez. “Serving alongside such a passionate, student-centered team has been an extraordinary privilege. As I step into my new role, maintaining close connections with this community remains a top priority.”

 

Ho highlighted Paez’s work across disciplines to strengthen programs, support faculty participation in shared governance and keep students’ experiences central to college decisions.

 

“I have tremendous confidence that Karen’s knowledge of PCC, strong relationships across the college, and commitment to student-centered decision-making will be especially valuable as we navigate both immediate priorities and important questions about PCC’s academic future,” the president said.

 

Previously, Paez served as dean of instruction at PCC’s Sylvania Campus, overseeing instructional programs, learning support services and a $95 million biennial budget. She also served as division dean of Student Support Services and interim dean of student development, supporting programs ranging from adult basic education and counseling to career services and veterans’ resources.

 

Paez earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Services from the University of Oregon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University.

 

The president said Paez’s appointment will help advance an academic vision that informs institutional decisions and responds to the evolving needs of PCC’s communities.

 

“This work will require listening as much as leading,” the president said.

 

For more info, visit https://www.pcc.edu/

 

 

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.

Attached Media Files: Karen Paez,