Umpqua Community College Announces Pharmacy Transfer Partnership With Pacific University - 03/10/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Umpqua Community College (UCC) has launched a new partnership with Pacific University designed to help students pursue careers in pharmacy through a streamlined transfer pathway to a doctoral degree program.

Through the agreement, students at Umpqua Community College and Chemeketa Community College will be able to complete key pre-pharmacy coursework at their community college before continuing their education in Pacific University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the university’s Hillsboro Campus.

The new pathway, launching Spring 2026, allows UCC students interested in pharmacy to prepare locally before transitioning into Pacific’s graduate program. Students will have the option to pursue either Pacific’s accelerated three-year PharmD program or its five-year extended pathway, which is designed to provide additional flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

“This collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for our students to begin their journey toward a career in pharmacy right here at Umpqua Community College,” said Danielle Haskett, Chief Academic Officer at Umpqua Community College. “Working with Pacific University and Chemeketa Community College helps us build stronger educational pathways while supporting the growing demand for healthcare professionals across Oregon.”

Students who participate in the pharmacy pathway will gain early exposure to Pacific University’s School of Pharmacy through advising, professional engagement opportunities, and support during the application process. Eligible students may also participate in Pacific’s Jump Start Early Assurance Program, which offers conditional admission and early connections with faculty and program resources.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment among the institutions to make advanced healthcare education more accessible while strengthening Oregon’s workforce pipeline.

Pacific University has long been recognized for innovative pharmacy education. Its three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program, introduced in 2006, provides an accelerated route to entering the profession. The university later introduced a five-year extended PharmD pathway that allows students to maintain employment while completing their studies.

Demand for pharmacists continues to grow nationwide and across Oregon. Employment opportunities for pharmacists are expected to increase by 5 percent through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects a shortage of nearly 5,000 pharmacists nationwide by 2036.

By establishing clear transfer pathways, Umpqua Community College aims to help more students pursue careers in healthcare while supporting the needs of communities throughout the region.

“UCC is dedicated to helping students move confidently from community college to advanced degrees and professional careers,” Haskett said. “This partnership provides a clear next step for students interested in pharmacy and reinforces our commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

About Umpqua Community College
Umpqua Community College serves Douglas County and surrounding communities by providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training. Located in Roseburg, Oregon, UCC offers transfer degrees, career and technical education programs, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for university study, meaningful careers, and community leadership.

UCC Board Of Education Meeting - 03/09/26

The Umpqua Community College Board of Education will have a work session and regular board meeting on March 11, 2026. The work session will begin at 4:00pm in room 14 of Tapʰòytʰaʼ Hall (TAP) and the regular board meeting will begin at 5:00pm in TAP 17. Pertinent meeting information can be found at umpqua.edu/board-meetings.

Umpqua Community College Hosts First Home Track & Field Meet Since 1995 On Newly Completed Track (Photo) - 02/27/26

Roseburg, Oregon — February 27, 2026 — Umpqua Community College will host its first home track and field meet in three decades this Saturday, February 28, 2026, marking the debut competition on the college’s newly constructed track facility. The event represents the first home meet for UCC Track & Field since 1995 and signals a significant milestone in the revitalization of the college’s athletics program.

Student-athletes from Umpqua Community College will compete alongside teams from Southwestern Oregon Community College, Willamette University, and the University of Oregon Club Team. The meet returns regional collegiate track and field competition to the UCC campus and celebrates the launch of the 2026 season.

Field events are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by running events at 11:00 a.m. Community members are encouraged to attend, tour the new facility, and support student-athletes from across the region.

“This meet is an exciting milestone for UCC Athletics,” said Craig Jackson, Director of Athletics and Events. “Opening our new track with competition and welcoming fellow Oregon programs back to campus underscores our commitment to expanding student-athlete opportunities and strengthening community engagement.”

Alan King, Head Coach for Track & Field and Cross Country, reflected on the significance of the occasion. “Bringing track and field back to campus is a proud and meaningful moment for our program,” King said. “The facility is exceptional, and we are deeply grateful to everyone whose vision, dedication, and generosity made it possible. Having the ability to train and compete on our own campus elevates the experience for our student-athletes and enhances the visibility of our program. Hosting a home meet for the first time in 30 years is especially rewarding. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Sutherlin High School for their partnership and hospitality over the past seven years.”

The college extends sincere thanks to the generous donors who helped make the new facility possible:

• Eric & Kristen Ball
• Briggs Loosley Foundation
• John & Jean Loosley Charitable Foundation
• Michael & Lori Keller
• Guy Kennerly
• Simmons Law, P.C.
• Rick & Jacky Sohn
• Marla Sweningson
• Pat & Julee Wright

Fundraising efforts remain underway to complete the track surface and support additional enhancements, including spectator amenities. An official grand opening ceremony is planned for this summer, and the broader community will be invited to attend and celebrate.

The meet will take place at the UCC Track & Field Complex on the college’s main campus in Roseburg. Admission is free and open to the public.

Event Details

UCC Home Track & Field Meet (Facility Soft Opening)

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Field Events — 10:00 a.m.
• Running Events — 11:00 a.m.

Location: UCC Track & Field Complex, Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, Oregon

Colleges: Umpqua Community College, Southwestern Oregon Community College, Willamette University, University of Oregon Club Team

For more information, please contact UCC Athletics.

UCC Art Gallery Presents “To Watch The Moon Move” (Photo) - 02/13/26

ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Art Gallery at Umpqua Community College will present “To Watch the Moon Move,” a series of photographs by Parker Reinecker exploring the American South and how the region’s roots in agrarian community, textile production, and class and racial segregation connect to the current social landscape of the Central Piedmont.

The exhibition will be on display Feb. 9 through March 11, 2026, at the Whipple Fine Arts Center at UCC. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A reception and virtual artist talk will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 in Whipple Fine Arts, Room 22. Admission is free.

Parker James Reinecker is a visual artist and educator based in central North Carolina. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at institutions including High Point University, Marshall University, the Colorado Photographic Art Center, the Academy Art Museum and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

About the Art Gallery

The UCC Art Gallery is located in the Whipple Fine Arts Building at Umpqua Community College, 1140 Umpqua College Road, Roseburg, OR 97470. The 1,100-square-foot exhibition space presents six exhibitions annually, showcasing a variety of media by emerging and established artists. The gallery’s primary focus is to exhibit high-quality artwork for the educational and cultural benefit of UCC students and Douglas County residents.