Join us in recognizing October’s recipients!
Name: Tyler Tull
Core Values: Integrity
Reason: I want to recognize Tyler Tull and the Facilities team at RVC for their help with a project to make my department’s office in B Bldg a warmer, more inclusive space for students. I requested a multi-phase office revamp that included paint, different furniture and a little creativity. Tyler was very attentive, providing regular updates, and worked closely with me on solutions throughout the process. He followed through and did not let my project languish, even though he has many competing priorities at RVC. He is always a pleasure to work with! Thank you, Tyler!
Name: Natalie Coppedge & Carmen Mons
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability
Reason: I asked Natalie & Carmen if it would be possible to perform an official degree audit for ALL students admitted to the dental programs to help expedite appeals processes for some of my students should the need arise and they were extremely amenable to it. They met together very shortly after and settled on a timeframe for future cohorts which will be super helpful both to us and to our students!
Name: Norma Pantoja
Core Values: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Courage
Reason: Norma has always been willing to help when needed. She was willing to stay and help me with Spanish speakers and take payments! I know Spanish but not nearly as well as Norma, and it is so appreciated that she was willing to stay and help me translate when she has her own personal things to tend to. Thank you, Norma!!!
Name: Nikki Koenig & the Business Office staff
Core Values: Sustainability
Reason: Thanks to Nikki and her team for coming up with a great new late fee structure. I think this will improve efficiency and be a great long-term solution to students having a balance during the term.
Name: Denise Kerr
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Sustainability; Courage
Reason: Denise Kerr exemplifies Rogue Community College’s core values through her exceptional dedication to data integrity, cross-departmental collaboration, responsible resource management, and continuous improvement. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and commitment to strengthening institutional processes have made her an invaluable partner to Institutional Research and departments throughout RCC. Denise consistently demonstrates integrity through her commitment to accurate institutional data and compliance with state requirements. She maintains regular communication with Institutional Research to ensure consistency in reporting, proactively identifies discrepancies, and promptly communicates corrections to affected stakeholders. Her attention to detail and accountability help ensure that RCC’s institutional data accurately reflect college operations.
For several years, including throughout RCC’s system migration, Denise has worked closely with Institutional Research to improve data quality, strengthen documentation, and establish consistent business processes. She readily shares her expertise and resources, particularly regarding curriculum and program changes, allowing departments to anticipate reporting needs and maintain accurate business intelligence. Her willingness to work across departmental boundaries strengthens institutional effectiveness.
Denise recognizes the importance of including diverse perspectives when developing institutional processes and solutions. She actively engages stakeholders across departments, ensuring that individuals affected by data-related decisions have opportunities to contribute their expertise and perspectives. Her inclusive approach promotes shared understanding, mutual respect, and solutions that accommodate the operational needs of multiple departments. Denise demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness and thoughtful stewardship of college resources. Recently, after winning consulting hours through a vendor-sponsored contest, she immediately allocated half of those hours toward addressing an identified institutional need: incorporating FTE-bearing noncredit courses into CurricuLog to strengthen curriculum change tracking. This initiative reflects her commitment to improving efficiency, preserving institutional knowledge, and developing sustainable solutions that support long-term institutional effectiveness. Denise consistently demonstrates the courage to examine established practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and advocate for more effective approaches. Rather than accepting existing processes simply because they are familiar, she proactively evaluates alternatives, considers their implications, and takes initiative to address complex institutional challenges. Her willingness to pursue meaningful change strengthens RCC’s operational practices and supports institutional accountability. Denise’s contributions extend well beyond the responsibilities of her position. Through her integrity, collaborative leadership, inclusive approach, resourcefulness, and commitment to positive change, she demonstrates how RCC’s core values translate into meaningful institutional improvements. Her work directly supports RCC’s strategic priorities of operational excellence, institutional accountability, and the effective use of technology and resources. Thank you, Denise, for your exceptional partnership, dedication, and continued commitment to making Rogue Community College.
Name: Sara Cook
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Sustainability
Reason: Sara, you are always helpful when High School Partnerships reaches out when needing to schedule a noncredit CPR course for high school students taking the phlebotomy courses. Your quick responses allow us to move on to other duties and we know that the courses being scheduled will work with high school schedules. Thank you for all you do!
Name: Tanya Salas-Gonzalez
Core Values: Collaboration
Reason: Tanya is a joyful collaborator, kind and respectful, generous and a valuable asset to the FinAid Advising team. I am grateful to her for being such a wonderful human. Her expertise specifically in helping students with the ORSAA is one of countless reasons she deserves an ovation.
Name: Financial Aid Specialists
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Courage
Reason: I would like to recognize the Financial Aid Specialists for their dedication to supporting students and one another. They demonstrate integrity through their commitment to providing accurate information, maintaining confidentiality, and communicating transparently. They show collaboration by working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to resolve student concerns. They demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by treating students with respect, understanding that each student’s circumstances are unique, and helping students navigate the financial aid process with care and compassion. They also show courage by tackling challenging situations, finding solutions to complex issues, and advocating for students when additional support is needed. Their teamwork and commitment make a meaningful difference in helping students succeed. I appreciate all that you do!!
Name: Chasda Clendinen-Watkins
Core Values: Integrity; Collaboration; Courage
Reason: Chasda always has a positive attitude even when the situations are unpleasant. When she is making choices or decisions, she checks in with the people that it may affect and gets their perspective. Chasda is also not afraid to raise her hand and ask the tough questions.
Name: Denise Kerr
Core Values: Collaboration, Sustainability, Courage
Reason: Denise has been an invaluable partner to the Transportation Technology team as we developed our new curriculum. Navigating the complexities of state policies and nontraditional methods of awarding credit presented significant hurdles, but Denise guided us through the nuance with expertise, patience and transparency. She consistently went above and beyond her normal responsibilities, supporting cross-departmental collaboration that ensured our innovative credit models aligned with institutional standards. Her willingness to embrace a creative, nontraditional approach demonstrated true courage and forward-thinking leadership. Thanks to her guidance, insight and support, our team was able to build a sustainable, student-focused curriculum that sets a strong precedent for future program development and adaptation.