President Kemper-Pelle appointed to national college board

Rogue Community College President Cathy Kemper-Pelle was recently appointed to a three-year term on the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Economic and Workforce Development. Kemper-Pelle’s term on the commission runs through June 2024.

The AACC is a nonprofit advocacy organization representing nearly 1,200 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions, including public and private colleges and technical schools. The group works at the national level to promote the role of community colleges and serve as a national information resource. There are nine commissions authorized by the AACC Board; each commission consists of about 24 administrators representing member institutions. 

The Commission on Economic and Workforce Development is charged with examining ways to close the American skills gaps by sharply focusing career and technical education on preparing students with the knowledge and skills required for existing and future jobs in regional and global economies; showcasing cutting-edge innovation in workforce and economic development; and offering affordable, high-quality technical assistance in areas that support student success. 

The commission meets twice a year; the next meeting is on Nov. 3.

Kemper-Pelle has served as president of RCC since 2016. Earlier this year, she announced plans to retire at the end of June 2022 to spend more time with her family.

Kemper-Pelle has been a champion of economic and workforce development during her tenure at RCC. She serves on regional boards for the Medford-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Rogue Workforce Partnership and Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc (SOREDI). At the state level, she serves as chair of the Oregon Presidents’ Council, a monthly assemblage of the presidents of Oregon’s 17 community colleges.