Welcome Jeff Bickham to Procurement

RCC is excited to welcome Jeff Bickham to the Procurement team. Raised in a military family, Jeff moved frequently during childhood but spent most summers in Grants Pass, which he proudly now calls home. With over a decade of experience in procurement, logistics and supply chain solutions, Jeff brings a wealth of expertise across industries including telecommunications, retail and manufacturing. His career has included key...

New Director for Math and Science: Chasda Clendinen-Watkins

Please welcome Chasda Clendinen-Watkins to her role as the Director for Math and Science. Chasda is originally from the beautiful island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, one of the emeralds of the sea. She has lived in several states on both the West and East Coasts, but the Pacific Northwest is by far her favorite area. Chasda attended North Carolina State University for two...

Haylie Courtney Joins RCC Foundation

Haylie Courtney joins the RCC Foundation as development director with a strong background in nonprofit and government leadership, where she has spent over a decade building community partnerships and advancing equitable access to services. Throughout her career, she has focused on mission-driven work that uplifts communities and creates long-term impact across Southern Oregon. Haylie earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Southern Oregon...

New Director of Academic Success and Library Services

Please join me in welcoming Denise Murphy as the new Director of Academic Success and Library Services. With a strong background in library science, Denise brings a wealth of experience in academic and public libraries, leadership and a deep passion for fostering learning, literacy and student success. Below is a little more about Denise in her own words: Hello! My name is Denise Murphy, and...

A New Position for Dillon Ayers

Dillon Ayers is the new Instructional Systems Specialist, based primarily at the Riverside Campus, for the Teaching and Learning Center. He brings with him a diverse professional RCC background, having worked with the Instructional Media and IT End User Support teams during the past six years. Dillon is a proud RCC alum, having earned his associate degree here before completing a bachelor’s degree in criminology...

New Role for Nolen Guerrero

Please welcome Nolen Guerrero to his new role as an administrative assistant supporting the Automotive, Business Technology, ECEE, HPER, Humanities, Music, Science and Visual Arts and Design departments. Nolen will be located in the F Building at Redwood Campus. Nolen grew up in Grants Pass and attended RCC at the beginning of his educational career before transferring to Southern Oregon University to complete a bachelor’s...

RCC’s Newest Author? Meet the Poet Behind ‘Anyway’

Check out the launch of Anyway, a powerful poetry collection written by Jennifer Burkes as Sigh McGee. Anyway offers a reflective journey that “whispers truth and screams heartbreak, Anyway reads like a personal journal.” Sigh McGee explores themes of healing, identity and human connection in a way that speaks to the heart. Copies of Anyway are available on Amazon.com. Search ISBN 979-8285399902. Jennifer works as...

Welcome Lora Leard

Lora Leard recently joined the Risk Management team as RCC’s new Facility Use Coordinator. Born and raised in the Rogue Valley, Lora is a proud graduate of Eagle Point High School. After high school, she attended the International Air Academy and launched a career as a travel agent, working in corporate travel for 12 years. “I eventually stepped away from my career to focus on...

Celebration of Life for Gary DeSimone

The college community is invited to join a celebration of life for longtime biology instructor Gary DeSimone on July 26 at 4 p.m. at Edgewater Christian Fellowship in Grants Pass, followed by a reception at Weekend Beer Company. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary V. DeSimone Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Redwood Foundation for Education, PO Box 1598, Grants Pass,...

In Memory of Gary DeSimone

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved friend and biology instructor, Gary DeSimone, whose vibrant spirit and boundless enthusiasm left an enduring impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.  Gary was a valued member of the Rogue Community, having taught for the Science Department as an adjunct faculty member since 2013.   Most recently, Gary was teaching Biology for...