PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Discovering the Importance of Collaboration Between Colleges, Businesses and the Community at The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County Forum Forum with Dr. Randy Weber, President of Rogue Community College Sponsored by: Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians D uring the December Forum, Dr. Randy Weber, president of Rogue Community College, spoke about the relationship between colleges and the community, and how that unique bond is what drew him to Southern Oregon.
Relocating from the Midwest, Dr. Weber was impressed by the collaboration he saw between the local colleges and the Rogue Valley as a whole. “There was a true bond,” he said, “and that helps both the college and the community thrive.” Dr. Weber explained that the mission of Rogue Community College (RCC) — to transform lives through education — includes meeting a variety of needs among students who come from varying backgrounds. “Our average student is in their mid-twenties, and usually working 20 or more hours a week or taking care of their family while in school,” he explained. Unfortunately, Oregon has a high attrition rate in high school, with many ninth graders not graduating. But Dr. Weber believes that an education pays lifelong dividends, where one will make more money and be less likely to face unemployment. “I want our students to earn a living wage and help rebuild the middle class,” he said, adding that 80% of good jobs require some form of post-secondary education. Dr. Weber then addressed a comment he hears often, that “college is not for everyone.” “I think we must reframe our approach,” he said. “A baccalaureate may not be for everyone, but there is also skills training and learning a trade.” To meet this demand, a major part of what RCC offers is Career and Technical Education and workforce training.
At RCC, Dr. Weber explained enrollment has been steadily declining over the past decade, but they are regaining on-campus enrollment that migrated online during the pandemic. “We’ve had a 6.9% increase in enrollment over last year,” he said. Moving forward, Dr. Weber has specific goals in mind for RCC. He wants to provide better access to education and increase student success. With the former, he hopes that partnerships at the K-12 level and more dual credits for high school students will encourage them to continue their education. Additionally, he wants to create enhanced guided pathways and help meet students’ basic needs, to help boost their success. RCC also wants to help students start their education journey sooner and complete a degree program more swiftly. When students are working and caring for their families in addition to attending school, time becomes an important factor. “I believe education is how we will rebuild the middle class,” he said. “We want to inspire, strengthen and transform by partnering with local businesses and the community. n
14
The Business Review | December 2022
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online