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PCC’s Board of Directors appoints Sylvia Kelley as interim college president
Photos and story by Kate Chester
Portland Community College’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Sylvia Kelley as the college’s interim president while a national search is conducted for PCC’s next permanent president. The announcement was made at the monthly board meeting on Thursday, July 16. Kelley has been serving as PCC’s acting president since May 18.
Portland Community College’s Board of Directors has confirmed the appointment of Sylvia Kelley as the college’s interim president while a national search is conducted for PCC’s next permanent president.
“Sylvia has agilely stepped into the role of acting president for PCC and demonstrated a keen sense of leadership and grace during this transition period,” said Deanna Palm, chair of PCC’s Board of Directors.
“Her extensive leadership experience in community colleges and universities, her ability to steer the college’s direction, support the needs of staff and faculty, and assist in the national search of PCC’s next president are crucial to the college’s ongoing success. We are delighted – and indeed, quite fortunate – to have Sylvia’s background and skills to guide and support the institution at this time,” said Palm.
Prior to joining PCC in 2014 as its executive vice president, Kelley served in key leadership roles at four-year institutions: From 2008 to 2014 she served as Southern Oregon University’s vice president for development and the executive director of its foundation, and from 2001 to 2008 she was the vice president for institutional advancement at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Kelley also has significant community college experience, having worked with several in Texas and California in a variety of leadership roles before joining Texas A&M. She has served as the director of marketing and public affairs, as the director of corporate education and workforce development, and as an instructor of leadership and human relations. In addition, she has several years’ experience as a senior city planner.
While Kelley serves as PCC’s interim president, the college’s Cabinet – made up of vice presidents, associate vice presidents and campus presidents – will collectively backfill Kelley’s permanent role as executive vice president. Going forward, the Board of Directors will outline an inclusive process as it launches its national presidential search.