JACKSON and JOSEPHINE counties (Dec. 5, 2025) — The Rogue Community College Foundation Board has approved an unprecedented $650,000 investment to support RCC programs during a time of significant financial uncertainty for higher education in Oregon.
Last month, the Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office directed state agencies to prepare for a potential budget cut for the 2025-27 biennium in response to a projected shortfall to the state budget. For RCC, this directive equates to what could be a $1.25 million budget reduction each year of the biennium.
The RCC Foundation’s funding aims to help bridge this gap, ensuring stability for students, faculty and essential programs. This support will allow RCC to avoid personnel reductions this year and continue delivering high-quality, accessible education to Southern Oregon.
“During this unprecedented time, the foundation board felt strongly that we must step forward,” said Andy Linerud, chair of the foundation board. “Our mission is to support students and strengthen RCC’s programs. This investment ensures the college can continue providing exceptional education without compromising the people who make that possible.”
RCC continues to experience higher-than-average enrollment compared to the state’s 16 other community colleges. Due to funding caps in the state’s growth management formula, the college does not receive reimbursement for more than 20% of the students it serves, making external support even more vital.
Despite these challenges, the college has earned significant statewide and national recognition. Most recently, RCC was named an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Foundation — an honor specifically acknowledging RCC’s success in helping students transition into healthy-wage careers. On average, RCC graduates earn more than 25% higher wages than the general population in our region.
RCC continues to innovate across academic and technical fields, particularly in transportation technology and virtual-reality simulated learning for nursing and allied health programs, with a long-term vision to expand simulation-based education across all program areas.
“This moment highlights what is possible when a college and its foundation work hand-in-hand,” said RCC President Randy Weber. “We are deeply grateful to the RCC Foundation for this extraordinary commitment. Their support ensures that all RCC students — today and in the future — can access the highest-quality education and the pathways to meaningful, well-paying careers.”
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For general media inquiries or to schedule an interview with RCC staff, please contact Director, Marketing & Communications/PIO Kelly Gonzales at 541-955-7525, kgonzales@roguecc.edu.