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COCC PRESIDENT
ABOUT COCC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
STRATEGIC PLANNING MODEL
MAILING ADDRESS
Dr. James E. Middleton
Boyle Education Center
2600 NW College Way
Bend, Oregon 97701
CONTACT
Julie Smith
Executive Assistant
(541) 383-7201
Contact the Office
of the President
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 Dr. James E. Middleton is the fourth president in
Central Oregon Community College's 56 year history. He assumed the position in July 2004.
Since coming to COCC, he has led the College during a time of diminishing state resources, yet growing demand within the District. He has encouraged the College faculty and staff to move forward with innovations in instruction and throughout the campus. He has been working on forging new partnerships to strengthen the educational systems in the region. This includes being a founding member of the Central ORegon Regional Education Consortium Team (CORRECT), and serving as its first chair; and working toward creating stronger relationships with local school districts, including increasing the offerings geared specifically to high school students who are ready for early college level study.
At the state level, he has been appointed to the State Board of Higher Education's Access and Affordability Working Group, where he has been able to champion the concept that making higher education accessible by providing adequate financial support and developing students' college aspirations at an early age.
"I welcome the opportunity to serve a community college that steadfastly maintains 'community' at the heart of its mission," Middleton said of coming to COCC. "I am impressed with the collaboration of the faculty, staff and board. This open partnership provides an invaluable foundation for quality programs and creativity."
Middleton acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. "Like colleges across the country, COCC must respond to serious economic challenges," he said. "There is a history, however, of sound fiscal responsibility by the college. We must continue this record, ensure local tax dollars serve our local college and develop alternative income streams."
Middleton served as president of the College of Marin from 1993 to 2003. He also was a visiting scholar at the Community College Leadership Development Initiatives at Claremont Graduate University in California.
Prior to moving to Marin, he spent 11 years at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport (formally Williamsport Area Community College), first as the director of Integrated Studies for two years and then the dean and vice president of academic affairs for nine years. In Williamsport, he helped guide the college in its transformation from a local community college to a regional four-year college while retaining a strong community college program of associate degrees and short-term technical certificates.
Middleton earned his bachelor's degree in European literature and thought from the University of Iowa, a master's degree in English literature from the University of Leeds in England, a master's degree in English from the University of Iowa and a doctorate of arts in English language and literature from the University of Michigan . He taught English and was the Writing Center coordinator for six years at Dundalk (Maryland) Community College, and at the high school level
in Illinois and the West Indies.
Middleton replaced Dr. Robert L. Barber, who served as president from 1990 to 2004. Dr. Don P. Pence was the first president of COCC, serving as director from 1952 to 1957 and president from 1957 to 1967. Dr. Frederick H. Boyle
was president from 1967 to 1990. |